The Breakfast Club

And Pot Turns 5!

2006-05-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

To my dearest Potching,

You've just celebrated your 5th birthday amid cheers and joyful prayers from your those who love you. I cannot believe that in a few weeks, you'd be starting school and opening a whole new world where your own personality will come to shine. As much as I would like to continue just spending lazy afternoons playing with your dinosaurs or creating cities with your Megablocks and Tomy cars, you are now at a point in your life where there are other people who can help Mommy teach you about why the Mr. Sun can't stay the whole day and why it has to rain when you want to play outside. I know how excited you are to start school and learn how to cross your T's and dot your I's. There would be lots of things to learn and lots of people to be friends with. Soon, you'll know how to count beyond 100, how to write sentences longer than the three words "I Love You" and how to read all the Potter books at home. But what I would really love is for you to learn the hidden lessons as well.

I know how much it pains you to write all the letters of your name all in one size but more than knowing how to write legibly, I would like you to learn the value of PATIENCE.

I know how difficult it is to finish one page of your coloring books, especially if that clown is just too big but more than having a colorful artwork to display, I would like you to learn the value of PERSEVERANCE.

I know there are days when you would just want to be with Mommy and no one else but the reason God gave you your Lollie, Daduy, Mommy Marty and Daddy Carlos is that, by letting them care for you, you are extending God's blessings to them as well.

I know how sometimes you would like to get on the slide first but more than having a fun afternoon with the wind whizzing as you slide down, I would like you to learn the importance of COURTESY.

I know that you are a very smart kid and, while it's true that everything we actually need to know to survive we learn by 5 years old, we still need to acknowledge other people's opinions and RESPECT them as well. There's a reason why we are given 2 ears and just 1 mouth. It's to listen more and talk less. And this not only applies to you but to me as well. Your feelings are just as important as other's.

I know how sometimes you want to go right ahead and sleep after playing the whole day without brushing your teeth yet but more than having strong teeth and preventing tooth decay, I would like you to know the value of RESPONSIBILITY and that there are things that need to be done first. Although these things are bothersome (like putting all your toys back into the cabinet or drinking your viatmins), these are not just good habits but tools to help build your character as you grow older.

I know how excited you are everytime Lollie and Daduy comes home whether from doing some errands to attending important functions, but more than the "surprise" they give you, I would like you to learn the importance of EMPATHY by asking them how they are and if they have already eaten, or asking them how they are and how their day went. This gives other people the feeling that they are valued.

There are so many things that I wish for you. Joy and peace, sunshine, marshmallows. But above all, count your blessings and keep in mind: "Please" and "Thank you" are the magic words. Happy birthday!

Love,
Mommy Lei

THESE ARE DAYS
(10,000 Maniacs)

These are the days
These are days you'll remember
Never before and never since, I promise
Will the whole world be warm as this
And as you feel it,
You'll know it's true
That you are blessed and lucky
It's true that you
Are touched by something
That will grow and bloom in you

These are days that you'll remember
When May is rushing over you
With desire to be part of the miracles
You see in every hour
You'll know it's true
That you are blessed and lucky
It's true that you are touched
By something that will grow and bloom in you

These are days
These are the days you might fill
With laughter until you break
These days you might feel
A shaft of light
Make its way across your face
And when you do
Then you'll know how it was meant to be
See the signs and know their meaning
It's true
Then you'll know how it was meant to be
Hear the signs and know they're speaking
To you, to you

Meet Takuki Dojikataku

2006-05-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Who is Takuki Dojikataku? It's me, that's who! At least according to this email I got from Muther Gos:

Turn your english names to Japanese names.
A - ka N - to
B - zu O - mo
C - mi P - no
D - te Q - ke
E - ku R - shi
F - lu S - ari
G - ji T - chi
H - ri U - do
I - ki V - ru
J - zu W - mei
K - me X - na
L - ta Y - fu
M - rin Z - zi

I hope it does not translate to "rotting fish smell" or "you look scary".

Mother's Day Weekend

I panicked this morning when I realized what date it is. May 16 and only 48 hours away before Potching turns the big FIVE! No cake, no spaghetti or any noodle for that matter for long life, no balloons or any decorations (not even crepe paper streamers) I feel like a bad mom. No that we make extravagant parties for him and I bet you he won't even know it's his birthday unless I tell him ( he does ask everyday if it is his birthday). He always asks for a Spiderman themed cake but always ends up withe Red Ribbon's Justice League cake. Why? The last time I ordered this cake from what's-its-name, only my Dad ate it. The cake was crumbly, the icing sickeningly sweet and leaves stains on your mouth and lips due to the excessive dye used. Red Ribbon is the safest way to go.

How could I miss out on the birthday preparations? Here's how. Friday night, we had a brown-out that continued on until Monday night!!! The transformer in or block sparked reminiscent of the Millenium Celebration. Then, the caballero tree fronting our yard was cut and of all the wide open spaces it will fall into, it happened to trip on the cable connecting our house to MERALCO. So amid nights of candlelight and tube-ice from styrofoam ice-boxes, the family's energies were tuned into cursing the village administrator who did not know what to do in cases like these. We have a generator (blast from the Cory Aquino past where 12-hour brownouts were part of our daily lives it made me sad when the energy crisis was over. I loved hanging out on a bangko while my brother and I sang songs with his guitar!) but it was conking out after the whirrr, whirrrr, whirrr when you start it (you know the starter when you pull a string to jumpstart the machine?). Buying a new one is definitely out of the question since a small one already costs Php 34 grand! So my dad brought our vintage generator to one of the talyers in our area, bought spark plugs to repair it and made sure it was full tank. The constant brrrr of the generator was OK until after only 2 hours, it conked out!!! I reasoned to my Dad that we used to use that generator waaay back in the early 90s and a full tank will last 2 days at least! The culprit was our refrigerator which I think has seen better days. It's not broken down but it eats up so much electricity, now we understand why our electric bills go ballistic!

Monday night, the people from Meralco came and then, THERE WAS LIGHT!!! And since life has just normalized and our pet fish has just resumed its normal breathing pattern, poor Potching's birthday preparations was...sniff...forgotten. Oh well, I plan to take him to the playground and let him play on the sand as much as he wants to, let him lublob on the pail of water as much as he wants to and give him the liberty to turn our room into a level 5 disaster area. Solb na! Matipid na, mas masaya pa sya!

Taxi Ride

Finally, I have found an mp3 for the song "Taxi Ride" by Tori Amos. This has long been my favorite and could not find an audio file I can add to my radioblog playlist. Thank God for Drake's newest discovery for us musicphiles, I finally found this song and added it to my playlist. I know this song was included in Jam 88.3's compilation of light alternative songs Jammin With You but since every music store I go to does not have any stocks left of this album, no choice but to download it. Anyhoo, sample the song by checking out the media player. Big thanks to Drake fro being such a genius with things like these!!!

"Taxi Ride"

lily is dancing on the table

we've all been pushed too far

i guess on days like this

you know who your friends are

just another dead fag to you that's all

just another light missing

on a long taxi ride

taxi ride

and i'm down to your last cigarette and

this "we are one" crap as you're invading

this thing you call love - she smiles way too much

but i'm glad you're on my side,

sure i'm glad you're on my side still

you think you deserve a trust fund

just because you want one

sure you talk the talk when you need to

i fear the whole world is starting to believe

you just another dead fag to you that's all

just another light missing

in a long taxi line

taxi line

lily is dancing on the table

we've all been pushed too far today

even a glamorous bitch can be in need

this is where you know the honey from the killer bees

i'm glad you're on my side sure

i'm glad you're on my side still

got a long taxi ride

"Taxi Ride" tells the personal tale of Kevyn Aucoin, the famous gay makeup artist to the stars who was also a close friend of Amos. He died of a rare pituitary disease, and the song describes how people betrayed him after they became aware with his illness.

"He was a very powerful force. When he needed people, quite a few people turned their backs," says Amos. "It hurt him very deeply. He was beginning to see who his real friends were and who were not. When he could do something for them, they were there. But when he could not do anything for them, they were not there. They could justify it any way that wanted. He is dead now. "In 'Taxi Ride,' I explore what it is like when somebody dies and what it brings up in people. It has brought up a lot in me. I even questioned if I had been a good friend."

Dextrose in Cookie Form

The whole team was treated to Chips Ahoy cookies and boy were they SWEET! One was the Chewy Chocolate Chips flavor while the other had tiny chocolate candies. It was sugar rush overload! Nevertheless, management was so sweet (no pun intended) to treat us and to show our appreciation, check out the trash bins to see the remnants of the cookies and the hyper-active reps burning all that excess glucose.

Running Out Of Ideas

2006-01-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

I am running out of ideas to blog. We do not have internet connection YET in our house (and we moved there 2 years ago) and since I am not the most masipag person in the world, I do not bother going to any Internet Cafe, ergo, there is no way for me to post any pictures on my blog entries. And since I do not enjoy posting stories about me or anything under the sun without accompanying pictures, I have not posted a single enrty since 6 Jan 2006. What's more, I have recently received my Starbucks 2006 planner and have been busy making it as personalized as can be - in short, it is full of cut-outs and quotations from magazines, candy wrappers, movie tickets and whatever can go along with my entries. Nothing beats writing on a diary even if the penmanship is a little scraggly from years of not writing anything more than my signature. Reminds me so much of my high school and college days when the events of the day are written down, bringing back memories of friends and events that may not be monumental to the world, but contributed to who you are right now. Add to that the fact that the new Starbucks planner is not really as eye-catching and as trandy as last year's!

So there...no blogging for me. I have my planner to attend to. And if you have teen/fashion magazines you don't need, please, oh please...let me have them so I can post more pictures on my planner - literally. Anyhoo, see you when I see you!

Open the Wardrobe

2006-01-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

Let's go ahead and enter the wardrobe...

I have just watched the movie and I cannot wait to read the book (Something to while away the time as I wait for the 7th installment of the Harry Potter series, heehee)! Little Lucy enters a wardrobe full of fur coats and next thins she knows, she's having tea with a half-human, half-goat Mr. Tumnus (who is actually goodlooking for a faun).

I have heard about The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe since I was a kid. Nobody has read it in our family, but my Mom has watched the stage play produced by Trumpets. I wonder what happened to their annual summer workshop where one of the higlights would be to stage The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. I wish I have seen that play before since I feel like a kid all googly-eyed and excited to watch this movie in the big screen.

I remember asking Potching what he would do if he was in the place of Edmund and he told me with big, solemn eyes that he would never give in to the Jadis, the White Witch, even if all the Spiderman toys and chocolates will be given to him. And he asked me how could the White Witch be bad if she is beautiful? (Well, son, that's because she is a B*atch, heehee) Of course I explained that not all things beautiful are good and at his age, it might seem that all things pretty are God-given. And more often than not, it's these seemingly beautiful creatures that lead us into trouble, making us greedy and unrepentful in the process.

That White Witch can really be evil. Tilda Winton, who portrays her character, has an ethereal beauty yet her eyes can be...oh, I don't know...COLD? She as frosty as frosty can be and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Her performance, even in the trailers, are chilling (am I using to many allusions to winter? Cold, chilling, frosty...) and I can't put to words how, at 27-years old, I DO NOT want to meet her or anyone like her. Her character has no pattern at all, lashing out one second and then being oh-so-"caring" only to mock you. Her bitchiness amazes me. I know it sounds stupid but it doesn't mean I admire her or want to be like her. Payback, baby. But her bitchiness has it's own White Witch patent. She manipulates and can give you anything you want as long as you do her bidding and can tell an outright lie without twitching. But I personally loved the scene where she demanded to have a meeting with Aslan to discuss Edmund's punishment (him being a traitor and all and in Narnia, all traitors belong to the White Witch, which means, you are doomed). She came, carried on those majestic chairs reserved for royalty, announcing that she is the Queen of Narnia. She and Aslan talked inside Aslan's tent and after their bull-session, the White Witch came out, her expression unreadable while Aslan appeared sad and somber. We later find out that Aslan took Edmund's place on the Stone Table where he will be executed. The White Witch then proceeds to her majestic-slash-royal...chair and suddenlt turns around and demands "How will I be sure that you are going to keep your word?!?" (or something to that effect) and all Aslan does is roar and the White Witch unwittingly crumples and sits down, blown away by the display of power and magnificence.

"She calls herself the Queen of Narnia though she has no right to be queen at all, and all the Fauns and Dryands and Naiads and Dwarfs and Animals—at least all the good ones—simply hate her."

And Aslan, sigh... what sheer power his character has. And he proved this, not when he sacrificed himself for Edmund's sake, but when he stayed put and looked on while Peter battles the wolf sent out by, who else, the White Witch, to kill him. "Stay put. This is Peter's battle" and Aslan watches as the wolf pounces on Peter, all the time believing in this boy's ability.

This is the second time that a lion has dissolved me into tears. First, it's Mufasa and now Aslan. And the way Aslan died, stripped of his glory in the hands of (all together now) the White Witch. I really need to get the book to know the exact words used to explain why Aslan came back from the dead. Something about nullifying the death of an innocent blood when sacrificed for a traitor. Sniff...

And the battle between Aslan's army and the enemy, with the sweeping landscape...wow! I found it mirrored WWII with the birds (they were not birds obviously, they looked like a cross between owls and eagles. Aarggh! Somebody give me this book!) attacking first, dropping huge stones that seemed to explode. First line of defense if always Air Power.

It was, however, a big let-down when Aslan finally said, "It is finished" after pouncing on the White Witch. We see a glimpse of her, eyes wide and the battle is over. We see the 2 Sons of Adam and the 2 Daughters of Eve crowned as Kings and Queens and they grow up in Narnia only to emerge from the wardrobe again, as if time stood still.

The movie was fantastic but I have the feeling that once I read the book, this visual adaptation will pale. However, I still plan to see this movie on the big screen, tissues on hand again, of course. And then, hopefully, I'll be able to buy the book and once again, be taken to Narnia.

Happy New Nyir!

2005-12-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

Bagong taon na naman. I have alot to be thankful for and first of which is the health of me and my family. Bawal na po talaga magkasakit and khet may MAxicare ka pa, hindi ko inambisyong maratay sa ospital pwera na lang nung manganak ako. Anyway, I have made new friends sa work which is another reason to be thankful. They made life at work so chaotic yet productive at the same time. In short, ang IINGAY NYO! Nangunguna na jan sina Kim at Drake at eto humabol pa si Lawrence. Ultimo si Ross na nuknukan ng tahimik e humahagalpak ng tawa sa inyo. Anyhoo, bagong taon na nga which means, clean slate na naman tayo. I don't bother with resolutions. But it does not mean na wala akong pakialam sa changes that we need to do to make our lives more meaningful. Ako, magwi-wish na lang ako for the people around me and sorry na lang kung wala ka sa listahan ko. It means na mejo magpakita ka sa akin (magdala ka na ren ng merienda, okee?).

To MY FAMILY:
Continued good health; mas yumaman pa sana tayo kung pwede...heehee. Seriously, more of the humor and laughter and less of the drama. Palampasin ang pwedeng palampasin and mas maging malawak ang ating pag-unawa sa isa't-isa. After all, tayo-tayo na lang e.

To MY DEAR POTCHING:
Anak, walang masama sa hindi pagsasalita. Hindi ka mawawalan ng boses, ni hindi malalaglag yang dila mo. Mainam den sanang hinaan mo boses mo minsan kse nagugulat yung kapitbahay nating Hapon na nasa kabilang kanto pa ang bahay.
Mas lalo ka pa sanang maging bibo at pag-igihan mo ang pagmememorya ng lahat ng klase ng dinosaur sa mundo. Ang isa ko lang talagang hiling is maging malambing ka lagi at tandaan mong pinaka-bata ka sa pamilya so marami ka pang matututunan. The following years are going to be the best for you kse magsku-school ka na. Just remember to always listen more and talk less. I LOVE YOU and am so excited for you this 2006!

To KIM and DRAKE:
Sana naman maging magkaka-shift ulet tayo. Kakamiss ang Noth PArk (ayan pede na nating lakaren o), chaka yung mga days na kundi brown-out e naglalaro lang tayo ng Viridian Room at kung ano-ano pa. Drake, sana ay matuloy lahat ng plano mo para sa Government at sana ay macontact mo na si Utada Hikaru kse mukhang nagiging trip ko na ren sha pakinggan. More so, pede ka magka-career sa music kaya I wish you good luck den sa area na yun!

Kim, hay nako, Kim. Kim, Kim, Kim, Kim, Kim......I see na hindi ka na sablay sa passwords mo which is a good sign. Pero ang wish ko sayo ay mabawasan na sana yung tension sa bahay nyo, chaka sana ay makatagpo ka ng tao...TAMA..tao na mamahalin mo. Wag mo na pakialaman si Ross dhel may nakalaang iba para sa kanya. Kunware ka pa... Seriously, what's life without a little romance? So yan, wish ko sayo, little romance. Pedeng konting romance o romance with someone little. Bahala ka na... Ay nga pala, wish ko sayo ay matutong magsabi ng NO! Sige ka, aapihin ka nila! Laban kung laban...

To ROSS:

Hay nako, co-member ko sa Samahan ng Single Mom. Nawa ay gumanda ka pa at wag ka sanang gantihan ng mga French Fries na pinabayaan mong maging stale sa workstation mo. Gusto ko sana for you si Yuriy e...pero malay mo, baka nasa kabilang account lang yung magiging Prince Charming mo. Basta! Sana ren ay wag kang mananaba pero nakikita ko namang wala kang problema dun...

To MUTHER LIZE:
Hay Muther Lize, kumbaga sa prutas e super hinog ka na for promotion!!! Hindi ko alam kung ano ba talaga hanap nila pero ako man ay naiinip na! They need someone with your spunk at ang trademark UP Diliman logic! Sige ka, it's wither ma-promote ka or magka-baby ka ulet! Or both!

To CANDILICIOUS:
'Tol, miss ko na ka-shift ka! Chaka hindi na tayo nagagawi sa 5th floor balcony. Ikaw naman, iniwan mo na ako sa pagpapapayat! Ang wish ko ay magpatuloy and pagiging beauty mo tulad ko. Music career den pede kong i-wish sayo...Maganda kse boses mo e.

To ARNOLD:
Sana ay makapagpundar ang buong team para hindi lang Libre ang dala mo pero kundi pati pandesal at kape, hehe. Naamoy kong malapit mo nang makilala si Might Moy, pwera usog! Ang schedule at rest days na gusto mo ay makuha mo ren sana.

To GOLDI:
Ay eto si Goldz mejo mukhang may magandang maasahan sa 2006. Yun lang muna, para hindi ren mausog...

To LAWRENCE:
Kakulet mong tao! Yang mga wish mo, na mukhang lahat e nagkakatotoo, e nawa ay makatarungan at makatao. Heehee, salamat sa fried rice ng Chowking at Jollibee at madali ka ren palang mautusan, haha! Joke lang...

To PAOLITA:
Naman! Yan ang lagi kong naririnig sa'yo, heehee. Ano ba wish ko sa yo? Mukhang wala kang problema e...yun na lang. Sana magpatuloy na wala kang problema.

To MOTHER GOS:
Ano pa ba? Edi ma-lose naten ang unwanted pounds!

To TIN SAYLO:
Hindi na kita nakita ang tagal na!!! I wish you happiness and ano pa ba? Maganda ka na naman chaka sexy ka naman. Happiness lang talaga...na madagdagan pa...

To MEG GAN:
Haaay, isa pa itong leaps and bounds ang ginagawa sa promotion ladder. I wish you more time for yourself to really UNWIND.

To CUCAY DAVID:
Ganda, I wish you peace and joy lalo na since this will be your first year without you Mom. You have always been such a beautiful person and Jeff is so lucky talaga! My wish for you is continued happiness and success. At sana, maayos na lahat ng vacuum na kinukumpuni nila para mas makahinga ka naman sa trabaho...

To JM:
More time kse nangangayayat ka na. Nami-miss na ren kita kaya sana mas magkaroon tayo ng time for chikahan. Muah!

Mejo masakit na ulo ko thinking about the people na maisasali ko dito...ganito na lang, for everybody who knows me (as if maraming-marami kayo), I eish you JOY and PEACE and a most wonderful new year! Or tulad ng sabi ni Potching, HAPPY NEW NYIR!

Boulevard Of Broken Dreams (and Tongue)

2005-12-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

YAAAACK! May call ako kanina and super simple lang sha...hindi pa nga tumagal ng 1 minute eh...

Nagtatanong lang ng location ng store sa Aventura, FL. Sabi ko meron, sa may Biscayne Boulevard pero ang pag-pronounce ko Biskeyn Bulebard! BU-LE-BARD! Sa gulat ko, wala ko nasabi...mga 3 seconds of dead air tapos iniba ng customer yung tanong. Napahiya ren siguro yung kausap ko. Haaay, baket ba kasi ang daming letter B yang word na yan e!

Sounds Like 2005

2005-12-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

The year 2005 has been a wonderful year- musically- for me. It marks the resurgence of British Rock-slash-alternative music which is reminiscent of the Classic New Wave Genre. Apart from this, I have discovered Radioblog which helped me while away the downtime and limited access to the Internet (not being bitter, are we?). Moreso, I have discovered a lot of female artists whose voices can either literally take you to an etheral state or make the hairs of your back stand on end.

So, inspired by Trent from Pink is the New Blog, I will list down all the songs that has made 2005 a big musical bang for me and let this serve as a reminder that, indeed, the 80s is back!!!

Bloc Party - So Here We Are; Two More Years
I have been hearing about this band everywhere, from NME to music forums and what-not. If I did not know that The Cure has been out of the loop, I'd think this was Robert Smith singing.

Babyshambles - Killimangiro
Peter Doherty is such a musical genius its so sad what he's doing to himself. I originally loved "Can't Stand Me Now" while he was still fronting The Libertines and again, with vocals like that, even I can front a band! But you gotta love his cheekiness and brutal honesty in his songs that, makes you think he is the reincarnation of Sid Vicious.

Rilo Kiley - Portions for Foxes; A Man,Me and then Jim; It's A Hit
It's so unfair! Why does Jenny Lewis have to be so sexy and yet be so biatchy in her songs it's...it's... AMAZING! Definitely one of those chicks with guitars!

Azure Ray - November
Reminds me of Cocteau Twins and The Sundays...Dream pop all the way!

Death Cab For Cutie - Title and Registration; Movie Script Ending
Yet another band with infectious music. This, along with Rilo Kiley, are part of the bands under Barsuk Records who promote independent music accross the US.

The Killers- All These Things I've Done; Mr. Brightside
Ahh, I have spent an entire week watching Mr. Brightside's video I have this song ringing in my ears everywhere I go. The addiction has run off to Potching that this was one of the songs we used to "jam" to. Now I thought this band was from the UK, what with Brandon Flower's vocals (and accent) but this band has captured all the New Wave essentials without necessarily submerging us to a complete 80s revival.

Arcade Fire - The Neighborhood (Tunnels); Rebellion; Old Flame
How do I describe this band? I guess the vocals are quite uncanny, their songs are both melodic and melancholic, and judging from the song titles of my Arcade Fire faves, they have been thru some rough times emotionally. This band has been around actually since 2004 but they are one of my greatest discoveries from browsin thru all those - guess what - Harry Potter sites. Yep, Harry Potter actor Dan Radcliffe has mentioned this as one of the albums he listens to before filming... There! Some trivia for you, too! And, NO, I am not a Potter addict.

Franz Ferdinand - Do you Want To
Ever since I heard "Take Me Out", I knew Franz Ferdinand is one band to look out for. Not only do I enjoy the song "Do You Wnat To" but the video cracks me up.

British Sea Power - Please Stand Up, Be Gone
They sound like Echo and the Bunnymen, I swear!

Better Than Ezra- A Lifetime
Heard this song over Jam 88.3 and like any song that tends to talk about death without being entirely mournful, I was hooked. RIP Ally...

2005 won't be the same without these gems I have discovered. Their song may have been around for some time but this is the year I hit the jackpot when I heard their songs:

The SARAHS:

Sara Bareilles (Gravity)

Sarah Harmer (Don't Get Your Back Up)

Sarah Bettens (Stay)

Ooh, these girls sang the songs that I would most likely imagine myself singing. Vocals powerful enough they are beyond American Idol stuff. No diva-like performances here. Just the heart and soul singing...

Soundtrack Songs

Rachel Yamagata (Worn Me Down) - from the TV series Charmed

Missy Higgins (Don't Ever)

Dana Glover (Maybe) - from the movie Laws of Attraction

Sophie Zelmani (Always You)

Kasey Chambers (Not Pretty Enough)

Beth Hart (Back to LA)

Tegan and Sara (I Can't Take It)

Tori Amos (Sleeps With Butterflies)

Some of these songs have been part of either a movie or a TV series or SOUNDS like it was used in a drama series (like,say, your life?). Come to think of it, these songs DO sound like they could be the soundtrack of my life..or at least when I was still in that The OC meets Dawson's Creek stage of my life. Ugh.

Dance Hall Days Songs:

Texas- Getaway

Timo Maas - To Get Down

Robbie Williams - Tripping

Don't Lie - BEP

Crank these tunes and it starts with tapping of the feet, bopping of the head, then wiggling of the hips and next thing you know, it's dancing like there's now tomorrow (or in my case, a headset attached).

Remnants of Watching Rockstar:INXS

Spencer Davis Group - Gimme Some Lovin' (Jordis Unga)

Free - All Right Now (MiG Ayesa)

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (Marty Casey)

Stone Temple Pilots - Interstate Love Song (Suzie McNeill)

Aerosmith - Walk This Way (MiG Ayesa)

AND...

Baby I Love Your Way- (MiG Ayesa)

It's nice to rediscover songs that reached the top of the charts when your Mom and Dad were still either hippies or looked like hippies. We have the coolest 50-somethings in the world...

There. Songs that sum up 2005 for me. The classics have gotten better over time, I'm sure, in the same way that those songs of the Killers or Bloc Party would be in 20 years time or so. Just leave out the P. Diddies, the Foxy Browns or the Crazy Frogs (or whatever song that was...dang! It grates on the nerves!). Never fancied that stuff anyway.

It's Never Too Late

2005-12-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

Huli man daw at magaling ay...HULI PA RIN! Keber! I had this GIF Christmas greeting as early as October, I think, but I just. Didn't. Have. The. Time. To post it.Why? If you work in customer service-slash-retail, the Christmas Holidays are hell. People calling up to follow up on online orders made only 3 days before Christmas Eve... add to that bungled shipping and what do you have? The Perfect Christmas. Why perfect? Because rest days on the 25th and 26th of December while I get out of the office at 3Pm on the 24th!

I do not wish to go through what I went through last year. Total bummer when you know everyone is having fun with their families and you are stuck at work. And last year was really a washed-out Christmas for me. I just did not feel the season and I felt spiteful whenever I saw Christmas decorations. And what made it such a big bummer was that as early as 9 PM, Potching and I started opening his gifts, since I had to leave for work in a few minutes. The gifts were nice, I know. Nice, but not great. Not spectacular. Just nice. Pot was alll "WOW! Thank you, Mommy." But after opening the gifts, he played with them a little but then they were kept in the cabinet, ayed again. I knew he did not get anything he asked for last year. Those gifts he opened were part of a package sent by my Uncle in the US. Some were candies, some were simple toys which I just wrapped just so he would have something to open. There was no Christmas tree or any decoration at all because no one in the family felt the "Christmas Spirit". I remember cyring to Cucay and Tin about these things. I know we were in a financial struggle last year and all talk about Chrsitmas was carefully being avoided to prevent any "if only" moments. I didn't know what hurt more, the fact that Potching did not have the Christmas experience or that he was oblivious to the fact that it was Christmas, which I believe, no matter how cheesy it sounds, is FOR CHILDREN. I promised myself that this will be the last time that I will be bummed out by the idea of Christmas. You can throw any kind of struggle my way but who cares? The Christmas Tree will still stand tall and its lights will still create a warm glow in our home. After all, this is in celebration of the birth of the Savior. No amount of heartache should overshadow the joy of knowing that everything happens for a reason and that comfort will always follow pain.

And so you can just imagine how happy I was that the whole house is filled with Christmas decorations this year. We have a huge lighted gift box created by my Dad outside our house. The red and gold of past Christmases are now joined with bright blue and green. It's amazing to hear Potching's squeal when he sees another gift is added under the Christmas tree. He slept at 8 PM on the 24th but had no trouble waking up at 11:45 to open his gifts. He had a pretty good haul this year and proof of that is that we slept at 3 AM on Christmas morning, having spent the first 3 hours of Christmas playing with a dragon given by my Mom and Dad ( the dragon comes with an egg which Pot carries around while he says "Who wants me to open it? Want me to open it?!" ala Harry Potter Goblet of Fire).

And now that 2005 is about to end, I am thankful for all the blessings and the wonderful people God has used to enrich my life. This is, indeed, a wonderful toast to usher in 2006.

The Goblet Is Full

2005-11-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

Yeah I already watched Goblet of Fire last Saturday...alone. E sa hindi ko na matiis e. Ako pa! Lahat nga ng mga spoilers and exclusive clips about the movie eh napanood ko na bago pa yung showing, natural lang na pag showing na sha sa mga theaters, ay, hindi ko papalampasin ito.

Actually, lunch time ko pa lang ng Nov 19, go na ako sa G4 para tignan kung may chance pa ako makanood...kse baka tayuan lang e, hindi naman ako ganun ka obsessed, no! Slight lang (hehe). So naubos ang oras ko sa pagpila sa mala-BIR na pila ng mga taong gusto reng manood ng GOF. Imagine, out of 8 cinemas, 6 ang allotted for GOF! Buti nga napansin ko pa na yung oras na pinaka-OK for me to watch the movie is the screentime for Flightplan! Out ko kasi ng 3:00 PM so nakita ko OK yung 3:30 showing...kung umiral ang pagka-overeager ko, baka alam ko na kwento ng Flightplan pero GOF hindi pa!

Anyway, pagbalik ko sa office, shempre gutom na gutom na ako dhel hindi nga ako nakabili ng food! Pero, keber! Nagme-mental countdown na ako hanggang sa maglog-out ako at mapanood na ren IN FULL (hindi yung pinagtagpi-tagpi version na ginagawa ko kse nga sa mga video spoilers... yung opening at ending chaka film credits na nga lang ata yung hindi ko nakita)!

Finally, 3:00 came and what better way to ruin the afternoon than losing my key to my locker. Where my bag is. UTANG NA LOOB! At ang masama pa, alam nyo kung anong oras nabuksan yung locker ko? 3:45 PM! 45 minutes para hanapin yung may copy ng susi ng locker ko, only to tell me na kailangan daw ng affidavit of loss, chuvanelles! Tempted na nga akong iwanan yung bag ko at next day ko na lang balikan! P*ksyet talaga! Tapos what do you expect kung payday weekend? TRAFFIC! In short, pagdating ko sa moviehouse, yung Quidditch World Cup na yung scenes which I already saw sa mga l*nchack na spoilers! Kung ano pa yung hindi ko pa napapanood, yun pa yung na-miss ko!

Pero infairness, this movie is worlds better than the previous Harry Potter movies. And what I like most is how the friendship between the main characters is highlighted. Hindi limited to Harry, Ron and Hermione but we see more of Neville, the Twins as well as Ginny.

The Yule Ball....aaaah. I don't know anybody who did not like the Yule Ball scenes. And Ron's dress robes? Saan ang burol mo? Baduy kung baduy. Kawawa naman. Also, I noticed Harry holding a toothbrush just before they go down to the Ball. Akala ko may magic den para sa paglinis ng ngipin ang mga wizards. Hindi pala.

Masagwa tignan...

While everybody is enjoying, nagmumukmok sila, o...

There was a lot of humor both intended and unintended. Thank God, there was only one scene of Ron Weasley with his trademark limp-noodle face. We see Ron angry, jealous, frustrated, etc. And now I understand why all those girls were screaming the loudest when Rupert Grint arrived at the London premiere. This guy's actually quite cute.

Buti naman at eto lang ang scene na ganyan ang mukha mo...

I loved how they toned down Hermione's character here. In Prisoner of Azkaban, I was annoyed at how they played out Hermione's character and transformed her into Pink Power Granger! But here, she was able to show how much she truly cares and loves for Harry in a sisterly way.

And the bath scene with Moaning Myrtle? This truly showed that Harry is no longer a boy. I was not expecting Dan Radcliffe to be buff. I guess there is another reason why Myrtle is moaning these days. Naughty, naughty! Pero ako, this scene made me uncomfortable. Ewan ko if it's because Myrtle is a ghost or the fact that her character is being played by a 32-year old actress.

And while we are in the topic of the goodlooking boys of Hogwarts, special mention goes to Fred and George and shempre, si Cedric. But Viktor Krum? Mmmm, tulad ng sabi ni JM (hi bakla!), fine dining ito!

See, gwapo diba? Walang picture si Cedric kse hindi ko sha mashado type...

And while I already armed myself with tissues for the graveyard scene, I was not expecting to be moved by Hermione during her fight with Ron at the Yule Ball. The way Ron made Hermione feel so bad she slumped on the Great Hall steps crying. Ah, young love.

So the graveyard scene: creepy as hell with that big Angel of Death statue . And Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort actually gave me shudders. It's the way his eyes "talk". I swear this guy can act with his eyes alone! And the way he moves and arches his body, reminds me of nothing else but a SNAKE! Eaargh! Tama si Ia, it's amazing how the loss of the nose will make you look INHUMAN.

Reminds you of Michael Jackson, huh?

In fairness, the way the death of Cedric was played was really moving. From the simple whoosh of the killing curse and bam! We see a dead Cedric with eyes still open. The way Harry told Voldemort "Don't touch him!" as he used his foot to tilt Cedric's head, I swear I could feel the hatred towards Voldemort. What especially touched me was when Harry's parents came out of the wand to talk briefly to Harry... it brought to the forefront that only a truly evil person can kill an infant's parents and for me, highlighted Harry's loss at the hands of the baddest man on the wizarding world.

I guess the hallmark of a good movie is when you don't want the movie to end. I know a lot of people are complaining that it is too fast-paced but for a two-and-a-half-hour movie, GOF covered almost all the important events in the book. I wished there was more of Sirius Black (which meand more of Gary Oldman, yay!) but other than that, I'm OK.

So ayun, matapos ang ilang buwang paghihintay, napanood ko na ren. At papanoorin ko pa ulet! Hay, 2 taon pa bago Order of the Phoenix. Sana by that time, walang mawalang locker key at hindi na ako male-late!

Dumating Ka Na Ren!

2005-11-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

MiG Ayesa is here. Yup, him and his killer abs and blue eyes. But I am so sorry to have missed the Meet and Greet planned by his cousin for all MiG fans. It was supposed to have been yesterday at the MTV Studios at The Fort at 2:30 PM but coming from my rest days, I missed the almost 120 messages from MiG's Pinoy fans. Dang! I, along with Candy, could have been there! We should have posted our pictures with MiG right here, o...RIGHT HERE!!! Yamot! Minsan-minsan ka na nga lang mag-aabang ng rockstar, and I missed it! P*ksyet!

Funny nga itong si Becky Dereck e. I told him that Constantine Maroulis arrived na (I was expecting him to be some sort of a fan, because of American Idol but what did he say? "Sorry, wala si Constantine sa consciousness ko!" (In true diva fashion, ha!...First-name basis pa o!)... So I then informed him of the great news that MiG is here na! Eto ang naging conversation namen:

Dereck: "Ay nako! Hindi ko sha gusto no! Mas gusto ko pa ren si JD!"

It took all the discipline not to lash back that why in the world would you like JD?!? That drama king whose only talent is to impersonate dead rockers! Pero, keri lang...

Dereck: "Hindi naman sha guwapo no! In fact mas bagay sha sa INXS kse mejo matanda na ren sila!"

Ouch! Friend kita Becky Dereck! Friend kita! Friend kita...

Candy: Uy! Si MiG (looking at MiG's picture on Inquirer Libre)!!!

ETO PO ANG CLINCHER:

Dereck: Ay yan ba si MiG? Eh hindi sya yung tinutukoy ko!

Yun! Nice one, diba? Mitsa yan ng buhay mo pag hindi ka nag-ingat...Lokaret ka talaga Becky at mabuti na lang ma-diplomasya akong tao!

Aayaw ka ba naman dito?!?

Dark Times Lie Ahead

2005-11-14T20:01:00.000-08:00

At long last, Goblet of Fire is only a few hours away! I don't know why the Philippines is actually the first in Asia to have the regular showing of GOF (we're even ahead of the US regular showing...) but I'm guessing this is to beat all those damn pirated DVDs which might start circulating. You know, the ones where the movie title page reads Tarru Potter ank anh Guvler unt Fwe or something with subtitles which are annoyingly inaccurate. For this movie, spare me these rotten copies because I prefer to watch it on the big screen where the threat of my heart jumping out of my skin is imminent.

So, yeah, I have started making plans as to WHEN I am actually free to watch the movie. My son is already out of the question, so sorry, because he is smart enough to know and decide that he has no plans of seeing the rebirth of Voldemort. He was especially scared of the Philosopher's Stone with Voldemort sticking out the back of Prof. Quirell's head and is fine with a DVD copy though. There is the occasional urge to take a leave from the office and watch the movie from the first to the last full show but I'm afraid of what my state of mind will be this.

I actually started drooling over watching this movie as soon as Half-Blood Prince was released... in JULY! That's 4 months of anticipation building. Those spoilers you see on the net? Watched them all! The only piece missing are the opening and closing credits and of course, Voldemort's rebirth (and the Yule Ball... and the Triwizard Tournament...and Harry's dead parents helping him out, hey! I have not spoiled myself at all!!!).

Now, I can say that my DVD copy of Prisoner of Azkaban can rest. I think it has been played in our house for hundreds of times and I believe I can recite the movie from start to finish. Honestly, sawa na ren ako...

So, whatever movie food you prefer...popcorn, nachos, khet lata ng MY San kung yun ang trip mo, tara na!

Hindi Pa Ito ang Huling El Bimbo

2005-11-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you combine fast-rising radio station Jam 88.3, trailblazing Pinoy Rock Band ERASERHEADS and the bastion of academic freedom, UP Diliman? Nostalgia for those of us who grew up listening to "Ligaya" and was moved by the stark reality of childhood love in "Huling El Bimbo", and absolute mayhem over the reality that Eraserheads is back (or at least their music)! Head over to the UP Theater on 29 November 2005 at 7PM as today's hottest bands pay tribute to Ely, Raymund, Buddy and Marcus... "O anong sayaaaaa!" - Alapaap

Happy Halloween!

2005-10-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

I will be having a grand vaca for 5 days this Halloween. From Thursday to Monday. That's five days of no work. I. Am. Excited! What a treat!

I am yet to finish a map ala Prisoner of Azkaban for Potching so we'll have a mini-treasure hunt at our house on the 31st. We had a nasty expereince kasi last year where all the kids were made to walk for 30 minutes in harsh winds (mahangin sa amin e...nasa paanan ka ba naman ng Makiling) and of course, these kids were like wolves looking for prey by the time we were about to start trick-or-treating. At the sight of the first house with candies on a bowl, let's just say 3 seconds after that, all I could hear was just the woog-woog-woogitty-woogitty of the empty spinning bowl. It was like feeding time at the zoo and I did not want to have anything further to do with that. We went home with Pot's empty jack-o-lantern bucket.

So now, if there is another trick or treat at the village, let them come but we'll have our own trick or treat instead! We also plan to watch the Pirotecnico Estatico light and fireworks show at Enchanted Kingdom but at the rate of people flocking to it, we might just watch it from afar. Tipong sa gitna ng South Luzon Express Way, yung damuhan na island nila...yun! Picnic-style pa kami!

I am now listening to the musical score for Goblet of Fire which you can hear at the newly-spruced mini-site YULE BALL. The composer this time is Patrick Doyle (who also did the scoring for Bridget Jone's Diary) and it is a welcome change, if you ask me. While John Williams was superb in his legendary scores for Star Wars, ET and Jurassic Park, Goblet of Fire needed the new approach at scoring the various extreme situations of the plot. Agnes was right in mentioning it had an Enya-esque feel to it (minus the haunting vocals). The track "Harry Potter's Love" (yeah, cheesy I know) is being used on the mini-site I mentioned and while listening to it actually brings images of twirling in a great ballroom and snowflakes falling. Worth checking are the video clips from the movie as well as Harry with Cho Chang and Parvati Patil (who is stunningly beautiful! Indians can be very breathtakingly beautiful, no?) . Don't they look like they star in "Snowflakes in December" or "The Crystal Garden" or some Koreanovela-ish titled movie? Anyhoo, November 18 (or is it November 16 as some sites claim?) better come sooner because I hear this is the best Potter film to date.

So since we are only a few days away from my favorite holiday, Happy Halloween to All!

Don't Forget:

Life Without Music (Ma-Drama Ito!)

2005-10-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! Halloween's almost here! Aahh, but first, I have to post this horrifying experience I had. Nah, no ghosts or ghouls involved here, but worse! Yesterday my Dad called me to say that he is going to pick me up at the office but that we have to go to Quezon City first fore some important matters. We leave my office around 7 PM and that's where the horrifying experience started. We were along Buendia and it was traffic with a capital letter T! I am not surprised considering that we considered to take this road during rush hour... I swear, mabilis pa higad sa amin!

I normally sit well with traffic. I am not at all botheres as long as I am not rushing through it. Pauwi na naman ako e... What really bothered me was the music. Yeah, the music from the car's radio. It was a company-issued car and although I CAN request to change the radio station (and be called a bitch because of it), I decided to just stick it out. The radio was tuned into 92.3 Joey. I have no problems with this radio station either but at that moment, they must have been playing the most bo-ring tunes imaginable. Ugh, it was jazz, jazz, jazz it was enough to make me cry and laugh at the same time. It took the rest of my soul to bite my tongue from shouting "Stop It! Stop It! STOP IT!". Is there no hope?!? At that time, my life flashed before my eyes! I saw my radioblog with all the best songs I loved! I heard the strains of the songs I loved! ALL THE SONGS I LOVED! Heehee, haahaa...WAAAAAHHH!

Then I heard the person driving that he was going to change the radio station. Salvation is here, I thought. I would have gladly listened to Yes FM or those pesky stations with Alam Mo Na Yan and Bisyo Na'To blaring from broken speakers but noooo. The station got transferred to 98.7 FM! Wha? I 'm hearing violins...only violins! That can't be good. Oh why classical music?!? I'm pretty old already and my brain cells are doing fine, thank you, so I don't need those Beethoven classics for brain enhancement. What's more, the DJ (if you them that in this Victorian era station) goes on with a historical background on Tchaikovsky's 5th or 8th, I forgot. And it doesn't get better than this. All two hours spent like this... TWO HOURS! I have not lived in the Metro for 2 years now and all I could think of during the trip was that this too, shall pass (besides the fact that I thought the fates have contrived to get me out of the Halloween spirit by trapping me in this trying situation... Sigh).

We got to QC with my ears on the brink of bleeding. After a few minutes of waiting for my Dad finish some business matters, we head on home. Ahhh, there is a God! This is my second lease at life and I am going to maximize it ( right on, you Dell Ditty Masters!). Never again shall I let this happen to me again! How? Uuwi na lang ako mag-isa sa susunod!

The Mitch Ferrence School of Music Appreciation

2005-10-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I'm going to let my son watch this but for all of you frustrated singers-slash-rockers out there, get a load of Mitch Ferrence wacky words of wisdom, be it with lip-synching, air guitar, falsetto and all that jazz needed for a fabulous musical experience. Click HERE and get started with the hilarious Mitch Ferrence.

"Your face is your stage, but your ears are the door to the theater."

I'll say. Now you know what cracks me up in my little workstation, hehe. Enjoy!

What Made Me Laugh Today?

2005-10-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hmm...what made me laugh today? Or any other day for that matter? I'll tell you: SARCASM and WIT. Those are my favorite type of humor. Just click on the pics below to get a taste of humor that makes you guffaw out loud!

Hillary Duff, Richard Grieco, Phil Spector

I know, it can sometimes be harsh and hurtful but sometimes we do need that massive kick in the head in the form of a joke to push us back into reality. GMA's terror bill? THAT'S FUNNY! In fact, it's the biggest joke I have ever received in the last few weeks. Who could be wittier than a person who can pass a bill EXACTLY like MARTIAL LAW and lead us all into believing that she is concerned about the country's welfare and secuirity against terrorism. Woohoo, you are killing me! Now where are the cameras hidden? You are WOW, Mali, diba?!? No? Oh dear...

Peace The Spork Out: F-5 Jets

2005-10-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

The following is an excerpt from F-5 takes last flight; RP external air defense down and out, published on page A1 of the October 2, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

BASA AIR BASE, Pampanga - As music from the soundtrack of the movie "Top Gun" blared, the fighter jet taxied toward a hangar in this air base to mark the retirement of the country's 37 F-5s, once dubbed the kings of Philippine skies.

Shortly after, retired Brig. Gen. Angel Okol Jr., who was the first to fly the twin-engine supersonic plane for the Air Force in 1965, and Maj. Carlos Evangelista, the last to steer it in 2002, stood beside the aircraft, giving it a last look and posing for posterity.

Called "Freedom Fighter," the 46-foot-long F-5s arrived in October 1965, launching the Philippines into the supersonic age. It was the first Asian country to acquire the planes and, until the '70s, the Philippine Air Force would be the envy of its neighbors.

With the sun glimmering on the plane's wings, Okol (known by his call sign "Cobra 30") and Evangelista ("Cobra 389") lingered and exchanged memories of combat missions.

Sad. These fighter jets are supposed to be our first line of defense and while there are indeed no external threats for the Philippines, the glory that these jets brought to our country will be missed. They were not only our first line of defense, they showcased the power of the Philippine Air Force. Back when countries like Malaysia and Singapore were not yet the super-powers of Asia, these F-5 jets soared the skies in salutation of a great nation. We had the Blue Diamonds who were highly-trained fighter pilots that can perform their aerobatics in precision, giving esteem to, not only its viewers but the entire Filipino nation as well.

I can still feel the shivers down my spine the last time I saw these jets fly. Once a year, these jets fly our skies on the annivesary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). They come all the way from Clark Field in Pampanga and when, for example, the event is being held in Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, the public will be informed that at a precise time when the commentator is talking about the gem of the PAF, the F-5s, these jets will have a fly-by. The commentator goes, "...at this time, the F-5s will soar above us ..." and at that precise momen, the F-5s will shoot from behind the stadium and will fork up and out, leaving a trail of smoke, to the cheers of the crowd, kids and adults alike. For a split second, everyone holds their breath as the hairs on your back stand and for a moment, a lump in your throat rises. As you see these jets soar and get smaller and smaller, your heart soars bigger and bigger with pride. What a mighty nation we are!

And now the pooper. These jets are being decommissioned because they are expensive to maintain. Our first line of defense is down. I hope the government is reminded of the Bosnia-Hersegovina war wherein the huge benefit of a strong air defense is paramount. We are not to wait for an external attack - the insurgency problem in Mindanao is enough reason for government to increase the budget for PAF modernization. Switzerland has an enviable Air Force even though they are constitutionally a neutral nation. These jets are symbols. It is our pride. It bears the colors of our flag and takes with it the heartbeat of the nation. Bring them back.

Sandblags and We Will Rockwell

2005-09-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

Interesting title but if you have a 4-year old kid, you'd understand. It starts with Potching watching Freaky sing Bohemian Rhapsody while he sings it with Violet-Haired Girl. He'll pretend he's Brian May on guitars and will copy all his moves. Then the choir (who all look like people on Thundercats) will sing along the "Mamma Mia! Galileo!" part and then BAM! A little fireworks display as Ghostrider enters the stage with a silver necklace with the word "KILLER" in big, block letters. Afterwards, the "bwaaaang" of the gong sounds off.

Confused? Nah, he's just watching Party at the Palace, the 2002 Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth's ascension to the throne. We were given a copy last January when my Kuya arrived from Switzerland. One of the songs performed was rock mecca Bohemian Rhapsody by no less than the rock group Queen with the lead vocals done by Tony Vincent who, according to Pot, is Freaky. Why? Because he has black eyeliner and black eyeliners are for girls. Not to mention Freaky sings differently because, as we all know, it is difficult to pull off any Freddie Mercury song without contorting your face...hence, the name Freaky.

And this Violet-Haired-Girl, The Thundercats Choir and Ghostrider/Killer have all amused me the first time I saw them as much as it has amused Pot. I was thinking, What an ingenious way to perform this song! It is only recently (meaning 2 days ago after paying attention to the concert announcer) that I found out that these are actually the people who perform the We Will Rock You stage play in London. Freaky is actually Tony Vincent (who is really quite good-looking,ha!) playing Galileo and The Violet-Haired-Girl is Hannah Jane Fox as Scaramouche and Ghostrider is Sharon D. Clarke as the Killer Queen.

Performance at Party at the Palace: Brian May is, according to Pot,

the one with the kulubot na buhok...

Oo nga, magkamuka sila!

And what would any Queen performance be without We Will Rock You? Fairly easy to memorize, any 4-year old will be able to sing this. However, Pot does this with a slight modification. His version goes "We will, We will ROCKWELL!" I think it has something to do with the fact that just last week, Pot was at Rockwell Powerplant Mall. And what about Sandblags? Well, continuing with the Party at the Palace, Rod Stewart performs "Handbags and Gladrags", one of my personal favorites. Imagine my surprise when I hear Pot sing "...the sandblags and the handbagds...Ano na nga ulet yun, Mommy?"

I guess Pot's fixation with rock music started with "School of Rock". He loved the movie and Mr. Schneebly and how he was able to make a band that brought the house down for the Battle of the Bands. Spazzy McGee, Posh Spice, Freddy Jones and Piano Man were Pot's classmates then while I remember falling asleep to the sound of "Smoke in the Water" and Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" after graveyard shift, and listening to Mr. Schneebly sticking it to The Man. From then on, Pot went from wanting to be a great keyboardist, to a gut-bustin' drummer, to a face-melting guitarist. And with the fervor on Rockstar: INXS, of course, Pot was immersed again, by me, thank you very much, in the rock and roll arena. He was looking for Suzie in the elimination finals, was interested in why Marty slammed his guitar and was reminded of Freaky after watching Mig's final performance (he does not know JD, ha!). Just last week, Pot was singing "Mr. Brightside". Good thing he got the words right on that one. But I'm not complaining. The sandblags and rockwell... he'll learn.

Screwed

2005-09-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'm screwed. And it's because I can't get Paris Hilton's song "Screwed' out of my head. I don't know but I just love the dance-pop feel to it. She starts out with "I'm screwed...I'm screwed" then goes into this Donatella Versace-ish voice then switches to her bubble-gum voice. I don't even care if this is her synthesized voice or an affectation on her part but, if it's good enough to make me tap my feet and bob my head along, then I love it and THAT'S HOT (heehee)!

I have never anything personal against Paris. She may be called a brat, a sl*t or attention-deprived but I couldn't care less. I have always been appreciative of good music, regardless of the genre. Anyhoo, all together now...

Let's start it up again
You're under my skin Same old story
Boy meets girls
And she falls much harder than him
Baby, wheres the glory?

If all night,
All night
Your attentions not mine
Then let's start it up again
You're under my skin, It's a sin
Cause you're starting to win

Since I'm already screwed
Here's a message to you
My hearts wide open
And I'm just not gettin' through
To the lover in you
And I'm still hopin'
That tonight
Tonight

Your gonna turn down the lights
And give me a little more room
Just to prove it to you
What do I gotta do?

Just push her aside
She's not your type
So cliche when
A boy falls under the spell
Of a woman from

Hell, It's hard to take 'cause Tonight
Tonight
You could've found out I might
Have been the girl of your dreams
Baby, you might've seen
What it means
Just to really be free

Since I'm already screwed
Heres a message to you
My hearts wide open
And I'm just not gettin' through
To the lover in you
And I'm still hopin'
That tonight
Tonight
You're gonna turn down the lights
And give me a little more room
Just to prove it to you
What do I gotta do?

Tell me that you do...
Tell me that you do...
Tell me that you wanna take my number

There will come a day
A hazy day in May
Or a storm in mid-December
When you need someone
Just to have a little fun

Then I could be the perfect girl for you to run
Since I'm already screwed
Heres a message to you
My heart's wide open
And I'm just not gettin' through
To the lover in you
And I'm still hopin'
That tonight
Tonight

Your gonna turn down the lights
And give me a little more room
Just to prove it to you
What do I gotta do?

Team MiG

2005-09-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

Rockstar INXS is almost concluded and it was a thrill watching the contenders and having to explore the vast arena of Rock Music. Personal performance favorites were MiG's "Baby, I Love Your Way", Marty's "Mr. Brightside", Jordis' "The Man Who Sold The World" and Ty's "No Woman, No Cry".

Some people are saying MiG should not have chosen to sing Bo Rhap (kigaya, hehe) since this would show his regression to being the stage actor who sang Queen songs but, sige, tirahin mo, Kuya! Show them how this rock anthem should be done!

Solid Mig pa ren ako, hehe! While Marty indeed has the discipline and the edge both in songwriting and performance, he seems too "Grunge" for INXS. I guess I am comparing him to Michael Hutchence-INXS which was more dance rock (but still with THAT edge). JD is wishy-washy since he IS a good songwriter and can hold an audience but at the back of my mind, he reminds me of a time-bomb. I remember telling Candy that he seems to be the guy who would say something and people might look at each other first before reacting for fear he might fly off the roof if you don't agree with him. While MiG has the Rockstar appeal down pat, he is too, um, ballad-y and seems apprehensive to "test unfamiliar territories". They say he is too gentle or too agreeable but you gotta admit, him being at the Top Three, he has proven himself in the different aspects of Rock and this time, he earned the right to show what he is good at. Huling hirit for a smashing performance. I am personally looking forward to his Bo Rhap version.

I think it would be much easier to bring out the edgy MiG than to tone down Grunge-Marty or Wack-o-JD. So, GO MIG! Pinoy, Australiano, doesn't matter! At the risk of being too cliche, you ROCK, MiG! Text mo'ko for the full details, ha?

Soo-weet!

2005-09-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

After Donnie Darko, Emily Rose, Takagism and the House, I am so not in the mood anymore for any dark, dreary or any other-worldly...things. Get me drama, get me comedy, but no scream-inducing sites or movies for me.

So I go to MTV and just watch all the movie trailers there, old and new. Incidentally, I want to watch Reese Witherspoon's Just Like Heaven, even if it borders on other-worldliness, at least I don't see decapitated heads and flies, eww. So while I click this and that, I don't know why I got to Napoleon Dynamite. Now I have heard a lot of good things about this movie regarding, well, Napoleon Dynamite. Don't be fooled by the name, he's no terrorist or what. If you thought Donnie Darko is a funny name for a sinisted person, then Napoleon is a wacky name for a wacky person. A curious geek who'll "prove he's got nothing to prove". And it's not just him. Check out his entire family of misfits, his friend Pedro who offers to protect him, Ligers (a combination of a Tiger and a Lion), his perpetually open mouth you'll have a soo-weet time watching this film reminiscent of John Hughes' films (hence, Napoleon's high waist, haha!).

I spent the whole afternoon laughing at the mini-clips and at how Napoleon dances. And I haven't watched the film yet! Yeah, pathetic but I swear, I'm gonna look for this one in DVD (pirated or not) for a chance to see when Napoleon finally gets the chance to shine. So until then, I'll content myself to hearing Dynamite...

...and seeing him dance.

Sa Wakas!

2005-09-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Haaaay salamat at nasa MTV na ren ang full international trailer ng Goblet of Fire! Hala, sige, click na at panoorin ang trailer nang kilabutan den kayo! So excited na!!!! Nampucha ang effects chaka grabe, and gwapo ni Viktor Krum! Hosha, mag countdown na tayo until November 18, 2005. O Muther Lize, finally nahanap ko na ren ang video na hindi na sa-SURF CONTROL!!!

Pagkatapos mong panoorin si Harry Potter, punta ka naman kay Emily Rose at mas lalo kang kikilabutan sa kanya! Demon possession has always been the creepiest and the scariest thing that anybody can encounter, khet spectator lang laya hindi ko ata papanoorin itong movie na ito, khet sa pirated CD pa sha. Ayokong gumastos para lang takutin ang sarili ko. Kuntento na ako sa trailer chaka sa mga websites.

So yun. Next time hanap naman tayo ng mejo wholesome at hindi puro katatutan. Sumasakit na ren ulo ko sa kapipigil tumili e...

Beyond The Cellar Door

2005-09-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

As if life is not confusing enough, I stuble upon Donnie Darko. Listening to K-Lite's Litewave program, the DJ talks about Donnie Darko's OST. Any movie that would have Echo and the Bunnymen's "Killing Moon" is enough to pique my interest.

Under blue moon I saw you
So soon you'll take me
Up in your arms
Too late to beg you
or cancel it Though I know
it must be the killing time
Unwillingly mine

...You bet it will...

Uh-huh. Ups the creep-ola factor,no? Now I have no prior idea to what or who Donnie Darko is and frankly I thought the movie was about a guy frequenting Studio 54 or doing porn. Or both ( Then I remembered I was referring to Dirk Diggler). So I checked out Donnie Darko's website and whoa...it's like Twin Peaks all over again. In a nutshell, Donnie Darko is about travelling through time and space. Now these two things, for me, are the most confusing things. It borders on logic and mysticism and just thinking about it gives me headache.

Wake up, Donnie... it's the end of the Universe!

Um, Scary-Ass Bunny, who's "They"?

And so I go through the Darko website and I am taken to different levels, books by a certain Roberta Sparrow about the Philosophy of Time and Manipulated Livings, a Primary and a Tangent Universe, and whatnot. Just going through the site enables you to ask, is it possible to travel thru time and correct things, for that matter? And just how is that possible? Do you stumble upon a potral or is it deliberate?

I remember watching Quantum Leap before and watched entranced as Dr. Sam Beckett gets guided by The Observer into changing things in the past to basically prevent bad things from happening, keep someone alive, remove painful experiences, etc. Even JK Rowling has dabbled into time-travel, providing a time-turner which eventually saved the innocent Sirius Black and Buckbeak from death. Why the fascination with time-travel? Is it because trying to explain it is virtually impossible, wherein one finds himself going into circles? Who could explain why Harry Potter saw a vision of himself performing the Patronus while on the other hand, the Time-Turner Harry explains that he was able to perform the Patronus well because he did it before? Ooh, there's that headache again!

The Observer and Dr. Beckett and Rowling's Time-Turner

Back to Donnie Darko, I have not watched this film and the reason being is, let's say, I was living under a rock during its release and back then days were spent watching Disney Channel and Nickelodeon and the only movies I were familiar with were Finding Nemo, Brother Bear and other Disney cartoons. Hence my fascination with Donnie Darko. I plan to buy the Director's Cut DVD and watch it as many times as I can until I arrive at a plausible interpretation. Until then, I'll bear the headaches and the non-stop theorizing. And if you are just like me who has no shred of idea who ro what Donnie Darko is all about, click on the Cellar Door...

The Cellar Door

Scared Of The House?

2005-09-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

Got this link from the email and this sure scared the shit out of me. Clicking this link will take you to The HOUSE where you will visit 5 rooms where gruesome death has occured. Your job is to find out as much as you can abouth the deaths and who are involved. I suggest using earphones to be able to listen well, since you ARE going into a house of murder and clues abound. You can only visit one room at a time and would have to completely solve the mystery before moving on. Click on the objects found in the room to get the story. Remember, they tell a story so be sure to go back and click on these every now and then.

One last warning before you click, this is not for the faint of heart.

Candy And Her Rubber Shoes

2005-09-06T02:13:00.000-07:00

Candy is wearing rubber shoes today and I know why. Sabi nya kse daw akala nya uulan but I know better. Plano nyang maglakad mula sa PSC hanggang sa EDSA via Ayala Ave.

Nag-umpisa yan kahapon nung nasa balcony kme. Tinanong nya kung malayo daw ba lakarin mula PSC hanggang EDSA. Sabi namen OO kse doble yung distance compared dun sa dati naming office which was Philam Bldg. Akala ko naman super-saver tip nya ito kse nga naman baka mas trip nyang magtipid. Pero hindi. Exercise daw nya ito. At alas-dose ng madaling araw nya uumpisahang bagtasin ang Ayala Ave. Ewan ko lang kung sasamahan siya ni Drake. OK lang naman ata yun, come to think of it. Maliwanag naman ang Ayala e. And mejo may mga tao pa ring naglalakad ng ganung oras. Advice ko na lang magdala na rin sha ng dumbles? dambells? dumbbells? (5 pounds each) para ma-maximize nya exercise nya. Toned pa arms nya non!

So kung may makita kayong babaeng mala-Nicole Richie ang style ng buhok at naka-rubbershoes and black socks paired with jeans and a light-blue tee, sya na yon.

Candylicious, I swear pag effective yan, ako ren magra-rubbershoes na at maglalakad, pero papuntang Filmore naman ako.

Life of a Princess

2005-08-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

The many faces of Princess Di:

From a regular paparazzi target for her fashion style to a more laid-back "working princess"; unassuming bride to a woman of her own; teener who's favorites included Duran Duran and a dedicated mom.

I'm sure all of you who have been born in the 70s got the chance to see Princess Di's wedding. I remember seeing it on TV with the long red carpet of the cathedral and a stunningly beautiful young Princess Di in a lovely cream wedding dress. I asked my Mom who she was and was told that this is Princess Diana.

For a little girl who grew up in fairy tale books and Disney's Cinderella, Princess Di looked every inch what a princess should be - blonde and blue-eyed with loads of charm. But don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those people who only saw her as a fashion ingenue and regarded her as a living Barbie. I liked her because she was a trailblazer in her own right, projecting warmth into the stiff British royalty and refused to be "watered down". She knew how to cuddle her kids, how to approach a stranger and make them at ease and to attend to the sick, especially those who had AIDS when they were being shunned. According to CNN, Diana never excelled academically at school but was recognized at West Heath, in Kent, with a special award for service in 1977. She was described there as "a girl who notices what needs to be done, then does it willingly and cheerfully."

Ironic that she died when she finally shed the "princess" image, supported her own cause (banning of land-mines) and had some sort of peace of mind. Others choose to remember her as a tragic beauty. For me, she made mistakes, had regrets but did what she had to do and willingly gave as much as she can.

So for Princess Diana who was a person who has lived in glamour and adoration, craved love and affection most, but was able to transcend her own miseries for others how, indeed, do you measure her life in years? To quote Seasons of Love, how about love? I'm sure Princess Diana will live forever.

Five Hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,

Five Hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear,

Five Hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,

how do you measure, measure a year,

in daylights,

in sunsets,

in midnights and cups of coffee,

in inches,

in miles and laughter and strife,

in five Hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,

how do you measure, a year in the life,

how about love,

measure in love,

seasons of love,

five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,

five hundred twenty five thousand journeys to plan,

five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes,

how do you measure the life of a woman or a man,

in truths that she learned,

or in times that he cried,

in bridges he burned or the way that she died,

its time now to sing out though the story never ends,

lets celebrate remember a year in the life of friends,

remember the love,

measure in love,

seasons of love,

seasons of love.

"...Your thoughtful words are as much appreciated as they are undeserved

and I will hope always to be worthy of them..."

---------------------------------------

Princess Diana was born on July 1, 1961, married on July 29, 1981 at St. Paul's Cathedral and died in a car crash on Aug. 31, 1997 in Paris.

Hindi Ka Nag-iisa...

2005-08-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

Sa lahat ng mga kasama kong nasalanta ng Petsa de Peligro, makakabangon din tayo... Etong bente pesos, o. Ayos! Akalain mong ako, ang taong nagungunang mag-file ng leave kapag ilang araw na lang bago sweldo para makaiwas sa gastos ng pamasahe at pagkain, ay nagpautang?!? Opo, bente pesos lang naman. Okay lang yun, no considerable damage yet sa kahera ko. Pero nagtataka ren ako kse lahat halos ng tao talagang naubusan ng pera ng mas maaga. E 2 araw pa bago sweldo so good luck to all of us.

Kaya nga kay Drake at Kim na kasama ko sa shift ko kahapon, alam ko, guys, na gutom na kayo. May usapan pa nga tong dalawang ito na bumili ng isang lata ng SkyFlakes at paghahatian nila para makatipid. Tamang World War II and drama nila. Kim, alam ko nagpaparinig ka kse may kalahati pa akong Potato Chips chaka may isang buong Puffins na Cinnamon. Pareho ko kayo narinig ni Drake na at least once nagsabing "GUTOM NAKO!!!". Pero hindi ko magawang ibigay sa inyo yung mga tirang pagkain ko. Kse nga, pagkain ko pa yan bukas. I hope na hindi nyo napansing dali-dali kong tinago sa plastic yung mga chips at tinago sa likod ng PC ko. I understand the temptation. Jack n' Jill Potato Chips ba naman e.

Chaka, to my dearest Mommy, salamat sa Wendy's Mushroom n' Cheese na burger with Large Fries and Coke. Super hindi ako nagutom at nabiyayaan den si Madame Etchos dhel nagustohan nya yung French Fries na lumamig na sa katitipid ng kain.

Kitt, pihikan ka mashado sa pagkain mo pero mabuti na ren at kahapon ay umandar na naman ang pagiging pihikan mo sa pagkain (ayaw ba naman yung Beef Misono ng TokyoTokyo?!?...).

So ayun. Nagkakautangan na, whether pambayad sa isa pa uling utang, pantawid gutom o pandagdag sa pamasahe papuntang Allied Bank sa Binondo para mag withdraw ng limpak-limpak na salapi, may nakikita pa rin akong maganda sa situation nateng lahat. Lalo na pag dumating yung time na ikaw naman yung nakatulong.

Kaya Anne, next time na mangailangan ako, you know what to do, heehee. Muther Lize, matatag ka talaga! Arnold, nawa ay mabigyan mo kme ng tips kung pano makapag-ipon ng 5-figure-amount sa bangko.

Tag! When boredom sets in...

2005-08-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

Candy tagged me (yun pala yung tinatanong mo kahapon...di ko ma-gets e...) for this one so in the spirit of TAGGING:

* What are the things you enjoy doing even when there's no one around you?
Sleeping, watching TV, listening to my favorite music, surfing the Net, mag-monologue minsan (pathetic, I know), tulad ni Candy, manood ng sine kahet mag-isa. Carry lang...

* What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level?
Ranting to no one in particular and venting out by swearing. Minsan, namamato ren ako o nanununtok. Minsan lang naman e...

* Tag five friends and ask them to post it in theirs.
No prob. Let's see...
Kim (madali lang to Kim, walang kelangang password...kaya mo to!
Agnes (ah, walang problema dito....)
Meg (Isa pa to...trainer itey!)
Francis (Miss na kita, girl!)
Amz (CHEAC days, sigh!!!! Miss you!)

What if Lindsay was Hermione?

2005-08-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

Since I am in a Harry Potter groove lately, let me share you hilarious SNL's dig on Harry Potter and Hermione's, uh, huge talents. Kinda old, I know, but it will tide us over until Goblet of Fire is shown on November...

Here's a sample....

[Fred and George then notice Hermione, and gawk at her breasts]
Fred: Hermi-, Hermi-, hello, Hermione.
Hermione: Hello Fred, George.
Fred and George: Hello, Hermi-i-i-i-i-one.
Fred: How are you doing?
George (to Hermione): Let's hang out for a minute. Incendio!
[Fire starts in fireplace]

Fred: Eh, Couchio!
[Couch appears behind them]

George: Stereo!
[Music begins to play in background]

You gotta hand it to SNL!!! Just click on the boob, I mean picture for the full transcript and some more pics!

Is There No Hope?!?

2005-07-31T23:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday na naman so as usual, kaming 3 na naman nina Kim at Drake. Saya nito.
Si Drake umupo na sa pinakadulo at katabi ko si Kim. Sabi ko ke Drake upo na lang sha sa likod namen pero mapilit sha sa dulo na lang daw. Ngayon naintindihan ko na...

Ang ganda ng blog ni Kim, in fairness. May saybox na sha and na-polish na nya yung mga ibang parts ng blog. Ako naman nakikinig ng radioblog. Nag-sign-up den ang lola Kim at nagtatanong na ng mga songs na ia-add nya sa list nya. May balak pa atang ilagay sa blog nya ang radioblog.
Anyway, may hinahanap shang kanta...."Lonely" daw ang title and vaguely familiar sha sa aken...Sorry na lang pero mahina ako sa mga artists ng current popular songs (current meaning 2004-2005, hehe). Sinabi na ni Drake na Public Announcement daw kumanta neto. E nagtalo na naman itong 2 kse iba ang pinapakita sa radioblog. So nag-lakas-loob ang Kim at kinlick ang heart icon to add to her favorites tapos pinakinggan nya sa jukeblog nya. Ano nangyari? Ewan ko pero muntik sumabog yung baga ko sa lakas ng tawa ko dhel bukod sa mali yung kantang napili nya...

....Lonely...I'm Mr. Lonely.....I have nobody...to call on my owwwwwwwnnnnn....

Ang masama nito, The Chipmunks pa ang kumakanta! Ang sakit sa tenga! Ayun, balik sha sa website at nag-unclick ng heart icon upang matanggal sa listahan ang kantang "Lonely". Ayaw kse makinig ke Drake e....tsk, tsk. Luv yah Kim! Mizhu!!! Sa sweldo kain ulet tayo Northpark ni Drake. Incidentally, I highly recommend na pakinggan nyo sa radioblog ni Drake ang kanyang very own version ng Toxic (Britney Spears). Galeng! Hanep!

Birthday Greetings and Goblets

2005-07-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Ms Joan Kathleen Rowling and may the 7th book be published waaaay ahead than planned (hehehe). I still wish you did not kill of the coolest of the cool in the wizarding world!

Of course, Happy 25th Birthday to Ms. Rowling's hero, HARRY POTTER. This must mean that you survived Voldemort, eh? YAY!

The Boy Who Lived...

Just seen the teaser trailer for the Goblet of Fire movie and aaaaagh, can't wait!!! The triwizard tournament scenes are really something to look forward to. Can't say the same for Fleur Delacour who is supposed to be RAVISHING, being a veela!

Is she really the prettiest French girl who can act?!?

Can't they find a Lindsay look-alike in UK? She look smore like a veela for me

(along with the coked-out expression!!!)

And, oh....somebody give those boys a haircut! Harry can still carry it though but Ron reminds me so much of household cleaning, with that mop-top.

That nasty mop-top!

Still, Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort and Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter? The Harry Potter movie franchise keeps getting better! I knew it when they cast Emma Thompson and another swoonworthy-over-40-years-old-guy Gary Oldman (this guy can really make your heart do flip-flops, never mind if the characters he portray are a little borderline psycho...).

Can you imagine a better Prof. Trelawney, Sirius Black and Rita Skeeter than these three?

So come November 18, it's either I'm going to line up along with a bazillion of kids also anxious to watch the movie or I'm going to settle with the pirated version, complete with Greek titles (Tarru Potter anyone?) and English subtitles that only capture what the actors sound like saying. For a glimpse of what lies ahead, click on the teaser photo (middle) and click on the trailer button.

Keketekot no?

Ooooh....

Patuloy ang Sumpa ni Kim Scribbable

2005-07-24T02:27:00.000-07:00

Patuloy pa rin ang sumpa ng Kim Scribbable...
Kadarating pa lang ni Kim at mega-kwento na tungkol sa dati nilang kasama sa account na nalipat. Bumagsak daw kse sa exam ang kanyang mga friends pero hindi daw nya ma-consume ito. @#%??? Ang ibig nyang sabihin ay hindi nya alam for sure blah, blah, blah...
GRABE NA ITO sabi ko. Hindi pa nya itinulog yung sumpa.

So okay lang. Tawa lang kme. Tawa ng tawa. Tapos order kme sa favorite ni Drake na Noth Park. Saya-saya kse gutom na kmeng lahat e nasa ground floor lang pala ang delivery boy at hindi pinaaakyat sa floor namen. So paano namen malalalaman na anjan na pala? Nag-follow-up si Drake at ang sabi ng babae sa North Park..."Yung order ni BGROSPE?" On the way na Ma'am." E ang pangalan ni Drake e Bryan GRUSPE. Sablay na agad. Hintayin mo nung dumating ang bill: naka-address ke BRYAN FROSFE. Labo.

Balik tayo kay Kim. May call daw sha at itinatanong ang location nya. Sabi nya nasa New Dursey daw. Ayos. Hindi na natapos ang kwento kse shempre pinagtawanan na namen sha. Pero eto na ang ultimate experience ng SUMPA. Tumawag ang aming supervisor na si Pio. The conversation went like this:

KIM: Good afternoon, how may I help you (or something like this)?
PIO: Sino to?
KIM: Si Kim.
PIO: Si Pio to...
KIM: WALA!
Ang labo na agad diba? Ang rason ni Kim, akala daw nya CPU ang sinasabi ng kausap nya.
PIO: Si Pio to....
KIM: Wala nga!
PIO: Hindi! Si Pio to!!! Sinong tao sa A*******?
KIM: Aaaah, si Melch!

O basta hindi na importante kung paano natapos ang usapan pero grabe, sumakit ulo ko at natunawan agad ako nung narinig ko to!!! Aminado naman si Kim na mejo slow daw sha today...
Bilib lang ako ke Drake kse khet sa pagba-blog, na panay ang hingi ni Kim ng advise kung paano mag-create ng account, e walang humpay shang pinagchachagan ni Drake...Khet napansin na nyang kaya hindi maka-create ng account si Kim dhel hindi nya mapag-match ang password na ine-enter nya while creating an account. Grabe... Basahin nyo na lang blog ni Drake for more details at shempre, mas okray si Kim dun. Ang payo na lang ni Drake i-type daw ni Kim and www.blogger.com.ph para Tagalog daw ang directions at mukhang mas madadalian aw sha dito...

Grabe, super kwela tong dalawang to, mami-miss ko tuloy si Kim bukas kse rest day nya. Sayang. Sayang talaga ang katatawanan. Sigh...

Ang Sumpa ni Kim Scribbable!

2005-07-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Nawindang ako ng konti kahapon dahel sa ang ang Kim at Drake ay mejo nahuli. Pero onti lang naman so paglog-in nung 2, nagkwentuhan na kame. At dito na nag-umpisa ng what I call THE CURSE OF KIM SCRIBBABLE (baket scribbable? Kse yung email add nya e scribbles chuvanelles tapos shempre name nya is Kim...parang Kim Possible pero mas makamandag!)!

So inumpisahan ni Drake ikwento yung panaginip nya the night before. E chismosa ako so tinanong ko kung sino yung napanaginipan nya. Chaka pinahanap ko na ren ng picture para mas okei ang kwentuhan naming tatlo. So nakita na nga ni Drake yung picture sa isa sa mga photo albums ng barkada nila. May 2 album na yung isa ang setting is in a diving spot in Batangas so hirit ng Kim Scribbable:

Kim Scribbable: Yung doon sa Scuva Dibing...

Drake: (Dedma lang)...

Ako: (Tingin kay Kim tapos tingin kay Drake na dedma lang...so dedma na ren)

Tatawa sana ako kaso naisip ko kung hindi naman nag-react si Drake at OK lang sa kanya na nagkapalit yung V at B ni Kim, edi OK na ren sa aken. Baka pag-nagreact ako e rumesback si Drake ke Kim, siguradong tiklop ako sa pang-aasar nitong dalawa. Pagsamahin mo ba naman ang PolSci at Pilosopo (luv yah, Drakers!). Kaso inumpisahan na ren ni Kim at kinorek Scuva Dibing nya...

WAAHAAHAAHHAAHHAA kmeng tatlo (actually mas malakas tawa namen ni Kim kse si Drake nao-autistic na naman at nalululong sa mundo ng Connexion at Downelink)!!!!

Kwento-kwento ulet tapos eto namang si Drake binida na ang dami daw niyang kinain sa Noth Park. Opo, Noth Park. Hindi yan typo. Sakit ata ni Drake na nababawasan ng letra yung ilang salita nya pag nagku-kwento sha. Kung si Kim, nage-exhcange places ang letters, si Drake hide-and-seek ang laro. So Noth Park nga daw sha nag-order ng noodles. Nung una nyang sabihen, ala-British accent. Pero nung mga 2nd or 3rd time na nya sabihin yung Noth Park, parang either may nakabara sa lalamunan nya or umikli dila niya. So again:

WAAAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!!

Actually may isa pang sinabi si Kim na pinagtawanan na naman namen pero buti na nalang nakalimutan ko na.

Hindi pa tapos ang sumpa ng Kim Scribbable. Punta kme ni Drake sa Lung Center (aka balcony) for some fresh air (wink!wink!). At kinuwento ni Drake ang mga katext nya pag nasa Starbuck daw sha...Ayun na naman! Nawala na naman ang letter S! Sabi ko baka silent S kaya hindi sha audible sa human ear. Tapos ewan ko ba kung anong mahika ang nadapo sa akin at basta itinanong ko ke Drake kung sa Grenbelt ba yung pinuntahan nya (mabilis kse magkwento itong batang to so in a span of 2 minutes tumalon-talon na yung kwento nya....basta something about gimik nya siguro or pinuntahan nya sa Greenbelt). Grenbelt tuloy nasabi ko. Sakit sa tenga. Singsakit ng Scuva Dibing. Forgivable pa yung Noth Park, pero pinakamasakit ata sa tenga ang Starbuck. Pero dahel nga super kwela etong 2 kasama kong inimport pa namen sa dati ko ring account, at thankful ako sa kanila dhel nawala ang pagkaboring ng afternoon. Mamaya abangan ko kung ano namang katatawanan ang dala nitong tandem nitong si Kim at Drake.

I Want The Golden Ticket!

2005-07-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

Whew, what a way to spend time at work. I have always been intrigued by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as I am yet to read Roald Dahl's famed bestseller. I also have not watched the original movie version in 1971 led by Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. Now, of course, since this is a for-kids movie, I am naturally waiting for its opening here in Manila. And it has nothing to do with the fact that gorjahs Johnny Depp is part of the cast. Nope, absolutely nothing to do with it.

Look at the size of those candies! And there's the chocolate river!!!

Anyhoo, I clicked on the Fun and Games they offer on the website and for the last 6 hours, I have been making sure that the I provide as much chocolates to feed Augustus Gloop (the chocoholic), ensuring Violet Beauregarde's bubble gum does not pop, helping Charlie Bucket go through the chocolate river and capture as much Oompa Loompas for Veruca Salt (isn't this a name of a band?). So far, I have been addicted to Violet's bubble. And I have recruited Agnes, my colleague in my quest to make Violet's bubble float her through, going as much as 470 seconds without popping her bubble. Can't relate? Well, go on and click on the games and bite your tongue from screaming everytime you lose and be careful not to ruin the arrow keys and mouse of your PC.

And did I mention Johnny is Willy Wonka? Sooo excited. Even if he looks a tad better than Edward Scissorhands, who cares? I will eat all the chocolates needed to get that Golden Ticket, swim in the chocolate river and - gosh - how does this movie end? Anybody who has a book or an ebook I can read? Reminds me of the time when Goya had their commercial like that of Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I had friends who had the chance to go to Goya Fun Factory in Marikina but, sadly, I wasn't. All I remember was they had a chocolate river too. Sigh...
And for that special day wherein Potching and I can watch it, I'll give him a special treat and let him eat a chocolate bar or two (don't want him to be all hyper all day). Ooh, can't wait!

Chocolate (drool, drool...)

Life After Office

2005-07-17T02:48:00.000-07:00

As I go home tonight I just know that I will be watching Madagascar for the umpteenth time. Those are the "perks" of having a 4-year old kid. Now the first time we watched this movie from Dreamworks was at G4 while eating chips and ice cream (yeah, my rest days are Potching's junk food days). And it was a riot! I actually loved it and am now looking forward to watching it - again - with my son. Proof of too much watching the movie? We spend the entire morning reciting our favorite lines. My favorite? Here it goes:

Upon meeting Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe who stumbled upon the beautiful island of Madagascar. The lemurs thought that they were giants owing to the fact that lemurs are like only 2 feet tall (it's too complicated to explain how they ended up this way. Watch it instead).

Maurice (King Julian's right-hand man): My, what big teeth you have (referring to Alex)!
King Julian (The Self Proclaimed Lord of the Lemurs): Shame on you, Maurice! Can't you see you have insulted the freak?
Maurice (recovering): So where are you giants from?
Alex: We're from New York-
King Julian (interrupting): ALL HAIL THE NEW YORK GIANTS!
Lemurs: The New York Giants!!!

Here's another one from the boat while they are all inside individual crates to be shipped to Africa.

Gloria the Hippo: Melman! Are you okay?
Melman the Giraffe: Yeah. I often doze off while I'm getting an MRI.
Alex the Lion: Melman, you're not getting an MRI.
Melman the Giraffe: CAT scan?
Alex the Lion: No! No CAT scan! It's a transfer! It's a zoo transfer!
Melman the Giraffe: Zoo transfer?! Oh, no. No, no. I can't be transferred. I have an appointment with Dr. Goldberg at five. There are prescriptions that have to be filled! No other zoo can afford my medical care! And I am not going HMO!

And one more...

Julian: Welcome to Madagascar.
Marty the Zebra: Mada-who-ah?
Julian: No. Not who-ah. As-car.

Another one couldn't hurt...

Julian: Shh! We're hiding. Everyone be quiet. That includes me. Shh! Who's making that noise? Oh, it's me again.

Woohoo, this movie is filled with so many funny scenes you just have to watch it, from life as an animal in captivity in the New York Zoo to being shipped to Africa and ending up in Madagascar. Get a load of King Julian's dance number (I like to move it! Move it!), how Alex gets delirious with hunger and sees all of them as steaks and a whole lot more!

And of course, I have already chosen my favorite character in the movie - THE ORIGINAL KING JULIAN!!!

There he is at the topmost. Even looking at him makes me laugh already. Oh-kay, here's to another round of Madagascar.

VH1 Is My Friend

2005-07-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

Just when I have started to wake up from my blogging slump, that effing sign S*** C***** has magically appeared and loomed its ugly head on the computer screen, uh-gain. Naturally, I am pissed. But technology can only be a tiny step ahead since, here I am, making another blog entry. Well, HAHA to you, Almighty-Surf-Controller!

Mysteriously ( and miraculously) VH1 is available and their full-length music videos have been my latest passion. Nah, not just any music video will do. Current passion is 80's British bands particularly new wave and punk bands. My love for this music genre has started in high-school when I stumbled upon 2 guys who were both 24-26 year old bums (hehe) hanging out with us junior high schoolers. See, we were all "busmates" (meaning we rode the same school bus) and this school bus was owned by those 2 punks, heehee, Kuya Jay and So-sorry-I-forgot-your-name Esteves. They played their cassette tapes with tunes from Joy Division, The Care, Housemartins, and even our very own The Dawn. Unfamiliar? Sure if you belong to the 18-25 age bracket. Ask you older sibs or friends in their 30s, mid-30s to be exact and they'll sure get that nostalgic look in their eyes, back to thos e days when men wore eyeliners and women had pink hair. Wait, men still wear eyeliners these days and girls HAVE pink hair! Whatevs, new wave was a legend of its own, sprouting from the 70s punk of Great Britain. Now you know why they are called Great Britain. Why, they produced some, if not, THE best bands in the whole world! Just watched Live 8 with Sir Bob Geldof ( my ,the years have caught up with him....)?

Sir Bob Geldof of Live Aid fame

Can you guess who Bob is? Me neither.

Well, he started with this New Wave/Punk genre, singing how he doesn't like Mondays and just wants to shoot the whole day down with his band the Boomtown Rats.

Tell me why I don't like Mondays
Tell me why, I don't like Mondays
Tell me why I don't like Mondays
I wanna shoo-ooooooooooot (dan-dan-dan-dan-dan-dan-dan)The whole day down!

Oh and what a treasure trove I found at VH1! Right now, I cannot get tired of watching Housemartins' Caravan of Love vid. Candy (the omniscient music buff, hehe) pointed out that 1 member of this band looked familiar and had a stiking resemblance to Fatboy Slim. Well, check out Housemartins bandmates and one of them is non other than Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim. I see he's always been one for great humor.

I have always had a soft spot for The Housemartins simply because their songs make sense. No raving about your girlfriend's hot momma. No confusing remarks about not being a girl and not yet a woman or assurances that bling-blings have not changed the girl from the Bronx. Ugh!
Their hit song Caravan of Love goes:

Are you ready for the time of your life

It's time to stand up and fight

It's alright It's alright

Hand in hand we take a caravan

to the mother land

One by one we gonna stand up with pride

One that can't be denied

Stand up Stand up

From the highest mountain, valley low

We'll join together with hearts of gold

Now the children of the world can see

This is a better place for us to be

The place in which we were born

So neglected and torn apart

Check out the video here. Just click on the drums to see the video and see what I mean.

But don't be misled by the seemignly leftist theme of some of their songs. One look at their videos and the leftst frame of mind mixed with humor results in the perfect blend of youthful idealism. Didn't we all believe that the world would be a better place if we worked hand in hand? In my book, The Housemartins were the brightest of the bunch.

Other new wave faves are Railway Children, The Smiths, Pale Fountains, Might Lemon Drops, Wild Swans, Flock of Seagulls and Modern English. Sorry if your sockets hurt from the pictures swishing laft to right but I LIKE IT THIS WAY!

I guess some of you are familiar with "I Melt With You" from Modern English. Great song but I favor "Hands Across the Sea" though. Check out their vid at VH1 and the lead singer is so BECKY he is soooo cool! Love it!

You know what to do. Click on the drums to see the videos and enjoy!

In the Philippines, during the mid-80s, WXB 102.7 was not as cheesy as it is now. It was purely for new wave/punk/indie fans and I remember being told that in 1985, British band Joy Division had a number one song "Love Will Tear Us Apart" that goes:

When routine bites hard,

And ambitions are low,

And resentments ride high,

But emotions won't grow,

And we're changing our ways,

taking different roads.

Then love, love will tear us apart again.

Whew, what a dark song to hit number 1 and it was no wonder that on May 1980, the band's lead singer Ian Curtis committed suicide and the 3 remaining members formed a new group New Order who gave us "Bizarre Love Triangle" and "Regret".

Of course, not to be outdone, The Dawn and Identity Crisis was our answer to the New Wavers of the world. Back in those days when Pinoy bands were struggling to carve a niche in the music world (what with the limited radio stations and the virtually untapped market of youngsters), The Dawn was the trailblazer of Pinoy bands, having hits such as "Enveloped Ideas" which highlighted the late Teddy Diaz's guitar skills. The huge hit "Salamat" was a dedication to Teddy who was stabbed to death by a senseless human being in front of his girlfriends residence at Tatalon, Q.C on August 21, 1986 (I think...). Identity Crisis, I have not heard much of but apart from their song Imagining October courtesy of course of the Esteves brothers (hindi po sina Charlie Cheen and Emilio).

During those high school days (1994 to be exact), New Wave (or Indie Pop) had some sort of revival with 89.1 DMZ (when it was still Dance Music Zone) would have a program "Wave 180" every Sunday at 10 AM and for three solid hours, the best New Wave songs are played. Today, 103.5 K-Lite still has Lite-Wave on Saturdays for another 3 hours of New Wave and I think 99.5 RT still has programs dedicated to New Wave songs.

I don't know why the fixation for this type of music, since their heyday was during the mid-80s when I was still in gradeschool and had no way of attending those wave parties. And I could go on the whole day listing my favorites but for now, I'll just settle with what VH1 has to offer. After all, He-Who-Surf-Controls is still letting me.

2005-06-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Get out your Kleenex . It's going to be tough holding back those tears!

The Magic of Making a Difference
By Barbara Bartlein

We were all looking forward to Easter. Charlie had run to get last-minute candy for the Easter baskets. Finishing breakfast, both of our children were running and laughing through the living room. Suddenly, Ken, our eight-year-old, burst into the den, where I was on the phone. "Steph is acting really funny," he said. "Yes, I know. I hear you laughing." "No," he insisted, "There's something wrong." I hung up the phone and walked quickly into the bedroom where five-year-old Stephanie was lying on the floor, unconscious, with a small amount of foam in the corners of her mouth. Unable to wake her, I told Ken to call 911 and I, nurse-mom, quickly assessed her condition. Though breathing with a steady pulse, her color was gray. The ambulance arrived and took her to Children's Hospital. Shortly after entering the emergency room, she had a seizure. Within minutes, she stopped breathing. As the staff feverishly worked on her, my husband, Charlie, arrived. We stood together, looking through the emergency room windows, not believing what was happening. The doctor pulled us aside and told us he had no explanation for Stephanie's condition but was very concerned because her status had changed so quickly. After routine questions regarding overall health status, history and access to poisons, they transported Stephanie for a CAT scan. We were left to pray. In a state of shock, I could not believe how rapidly our lives had been turned upside down. An hour ago, we were eagerly looking forward to Easter, and now our world was crumbling around us. With no remarkable results from the CAT scan, Stephanie was taken to the intensive care unit, where she was placed on a ventilator, in a coma. They called in expert after expert. Each ran tests and then let us know they didn't know what was happening. While I hoped and prayed for answers, I was also relieved as they ruled out one serious explanation at a time. I knew that in spite of the uncertainties, no diagnosis was good news. We took turns at her bedside, making sure that someone was there at all times. After six days, there was no improvement. The doctors informed us that they believed she had viral encephalitis, and there was little they could do except provide supportive care. They also cautioned us that children with encephalitis often do not make a full recovery. If she did get better, we should brace ourselves for a child with severe disabilities. We were very discouraged yet hopeful for a miracle. Later that evening, Stephanie began to move her feet and hands. By the following morning, she was breathing on her own, and the nurses detached the respirator. As I was washing her face, she suddenly put her arm around my neck and said my name. I thought I was dreaming and just stood there and stared.

From that day on, Stephanie showed steady improvement. With great courage, she approached her recovery with energy and humor. She never complained or asked "Why me?" She simply would ask, "What's next?" We met with a series of rehabilitation specialists, who outlined a program for her to regain her strength and her skills. After a day at physical therapy, where many of the kids were coughing and sneezing, we decided it would be better to rehabilitate her at home. Both Charlie and I took a leave from work, and my mother came to help. We helped Stephanie re-learn how to walk, feed herself, ride her bike and read. We stayed focused on small improvements and watched slow, steady progress. After six months of daily care, we decided to take a break and go to Disney World. Planning the trip gave Stephanie a new focus and seemed to accelerate her progress. After careful coordination with her doctor, we were off for a week of fun and relaxation. From the moment she entered the Magic Kingdom in a stroller, she was fascinated by a rocket-ship ride on top of a building. The faster the ride went around, the higher the rockets flew. She begged to take a spin, but the line was long, and in the heat, we knew we'd have to pace ourselves. Instead, we went on the Teacups. What a mistake! It seems like someone was always getting sick on the Teacups. Then we tried It's A Small World After All. We didn't know that once you heard that tune, you could never get it out of your head. All Stephanie wanted was to ride that rocket ship, but we knew she couldn't tolerate waiting up to an hour in such heat. Finally, on the last day, right about closing, we saw that the line had all but disappeared. We ran over to the gate only to have a smiling attendant pull the chain across saying, "That's all for today. You come back and see Mickey tomorrow."

With tears in my eyes, I found myself explaining about our year - how Stephanie had been so sick, in a coma and had spent months working every day at recovery. I practically yelled, "You have to let her on this ride! This is the only one she really wanted to do." The young attendant grinned, pulled the chain open and motioned us onto the platform. As the sun set and beautiful colors streaked across the sky, Stephanie and I climbed onboard the rockets. We were the only people on the ride, as throngs of visitors streamed out of the park. As the rocket began to go faster and faster, and climb higher in the sky, Stephanie laughed and screamed with joy. At that instant, I knew she would be okay and our family would continue to recover together. Just as the ride slowed, the attendant came on the loudspeaker, "That ride was from Mickey. Now, here is an extra ride for Stephanie from me." And he gave us an extra ride. Now, if you were to ask happy, healthy Stephanie today what is the best thing that ever happened to her, she would say, "That extra ride at Disney World, because that one was just for me." A small gesture from a stranger who magically made a difference in our lives.

To Daduy

2005-06-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

When I was 4 yrs old, I thought my Dad was a boxer. Hehe...you know when dads go around the house with only their shorts on because of the tropical weather? Add to that those days in early 80s when boxing matches were primetime TV. There's your reason why I thought Dad was a boxer. And I also remember asking my Dad to take me to Hawaii,thinking that all beaches were in Hawaii and that it was only 2 hours away. Dad gave me an incredulous look. I also remember the time Dad was rushing to me with ice inside a towel since i whacked my head on the table. Fast forward to my teenage yars and one memory that stood out was my Dad being hurt because I did not want to buy him coke (the drink, ha not the sniff-sniff stuff) from De Colores Bakery (at Sikatuna Village) because we went to get his 1976 Celica fixed. It was not that I was pa-sosyal and did not want to go buy from that bakery (he did not know that was where I ate Spanish bread for breakfast before going to UP). I meant to buy him the ice-cold drink from CASAA in UP where his favorite Coca-Cola would be served with ice and a straw. He got mad and was hurt by my actions and told me "Mamamatay na alng ako sa uhaw, yang image mo pa iniisip mo (somethingto that effect)". I hung my head in shame because that was farthest from my mind. Later, it became one of me and my Mom's running joke when I told her I wanted to say "Dad, it's medically illogical for you to die just by missing one cold glass of Coke. It takes about 3 days without water or liquid before we die". Hay nako, Si Daddy talaga.

For some, he is a strict disciplinarian best remembered for making one soldier salute 1000 times for failure to recognize superiors and another was punished for standing on one foot while on guard. To others, he is quiet,reserved and observant, qualities that made him last 15 years in the ISAFP. I remember my Mom riding the plane from Palawan, not knowing that one of the Abu Sayyaf inmates was also on the plane. My Dad knew all along but never said anything. Security purposes, eh. Dad is one person who I trust can keep a secret to the grave. Minsan khet dapat sabihin na, wala pa reng imik.Still to others, he was one of the "worst" Instructor Pilots. Worst meaning he will make sure you get everything right because, hey, you are driving a plane. There is no room for mistakes out there.

Dad was not perfect. He grew up fending for himself and was not really brought up in a loving family. Back then, parents gave their children what they needed and nothing more. I guess this is why he still needs you to ask him or tell him what you need. But with Dad, there were "extras" and these made it growing up such fun. Although we never went to annual summer vacations, nor drove brand new cars after graduation or had credit cards for our gimiks, we were OK. Really special times were spent having breakfast at Intercon Hotel or Makati Shangri-La. Weekends spent at malls, joyriding along the Laguna Lake Loop whenever we feel like it and trips to Palawan, Cebu and Bohol.

Now, Dad is semi-retired and I am basically on my own when it comes to expenses. And this is where I miss Dad the most. One humbling experience was I was expecting my paycheck already and literally had no more money on me. Who else came to my rescue but Dad. He picked me up and brought me home, my 27-year old ego and me. Who was I kidding? Dad was there when I messed up my life and looked at me in the same eyes that I met when I was 4 years old, 10 years old, 19 years old. He took care of my son and never looked back. He is both father and grandfather to Potching. I couldn't fight back the tears as I saw the video showing him and Potching climbing the Chocolate Hills view deck - all 220 steps of it. As soon as they reached the top step, the people cheered and clapped for them. The grandfather who took the little boy as his own, and the little boy who would not let go.

And now, our "bonding sessions" are spent while waiting for the bus to take me to work. There we would talk about the day's events, his new work and I would tell him about mine. Who cares if the passengers hear me yell "Bye Dad!" as soon as I board the bus.

To Dad: the Officer and the Gentleman, the Pilot who steered our lives to soar great heights and the Daduy who always believed in me. I wish you fair winds and blue skies (wink, wink!). Happy Father's Day!

Let's Celebrate!

2005-06-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Got this info from one of my fave blogs, Pink Is The New Blog
so greetings are in order to all bloggers in the world!

Happy International Weblogger's Day!

10 years ago, people will give you a quizzical look when you say "blog" but now, meeting freinds would not only include exchanging phone numbers, email addresses and the like. Blogs would be one way to express who you are and actually empowers you to dare to be unique! I have seen numerous blog and I have to say, all of them reflects the author's personality! Where else can you do that with straining yourself or you bank account (a house is too pricy as well as a personalized car; cellphones are affordable if you can forgoe eating for 3 months, and well, blogs are the definite way to go!). Blogs enabled us to be connected to different people from those we consider friends, to even those we just encountered from clicking on the "next blog" button. We enjoyed reading through other peoples experiences, delighted in their successes, commented on their ideas and formulated ones of our own. We posted different things, used audio files to highlight our musical tastes, rifled through pages and pages to find the perfect blogskin and felt the appreciation from tags and links from around the world!

For all the wonderful people who have been making fantastic blogs (check out my sidebar to know who I mean.. ) who have altered the way we communicate and the way we kill time ( hehe), who have kept us updated, entertained and amused, touched and enraged, this is one big fruit basket to all of you!

Enjoy and keep blogging!

Read for a celebration of the 2nd Annual International Weblogger's Day!

Forced Memorial Day

2005-05-31T06:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Memorial Day and what else can you expect but LOW CALL VOLUME. But what we did not expect was a chance to taste the night life again afteran eternity of work in the GY shift.

Ia, our supe decided to give Candy and I the night off (you might call it forced leave but, I assure you, nobody forced us, hehe). We took the half day off and was logged out at 1:00 AM. Now Candy and I are still undecided on what to do but along comes Derrick (I recall him saying he's the Reyna Emperatriz if we are the Diyosas and Divas...), and wheeee! Next thing we were on board a taxi heading to Providence. Too bad Pao was left behind otherwise, the combination of Derrick and Pao would have brought the house down!

Now Providence is a videoke bar where sealed cubicles that could fit 3-10 people are set so you can sing your heart out without threat of boinked heads from "affected" neighbors. And even better is that each song is for only P5.00! No entrance fees whatever since, hey, this is along Taft Ave where you charge higher than this and you can kiss you business goodbye. So armed with a bunch of tokens, we launched into Diva mode (at least I did because, of course, Derrick is ALWAYS in Diva mode and Candy is like born with a twin boombox so singing is not a challenge to her either.Honestly, she can give Kyla a run for her money. L.).

Opening song was "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. WTF, the song jumped into the last 3 minutes of the song before fizzling out! Aargh, we wuz robbed!!!! Ha, you think you can stop a bunch of cash-strapped, gimmick-hungry people, you are mistaken! AMINA ANG NEXT TOKEN!!! (I literally scraped my bank account especially after treating myself to a Venti Starbucks Caramel Coffee Jelly. Candy had one too so after emerging from Starbuck's brightly lit cafe, we joked that I am Nicole Richie and she is Lindsay Lohan with their Starbucks. Oops, wrong celebrities! More like the Olsen twins where I am Mary Kate, mind you! Back to the Memorial Day rendezvous...)

I lost track of the other songs played but you should hear Derrick and Candy belt out Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez's "Forever". Galing!!! We sure sang a lot since we had about 25 tokens which we went through in 2 hours! Songs ranged from American Idol-inspired songs (Heart's "Alone" and Dionne Warwick's "Never Love This Way Again". And the cherry on top of the icing? Our very own rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". Yep, we kinda struggled on the first notes since nobody could figure out on what key the song is but as soon as the strains of "Mama, just killed a man..." were playing, we were on track. Now the real challenge of this song is when you get to the Mamma Mia part. You either do a falsetto, channel out the operatic diva in you or shout out the lyrics . In our case, it was a mixture of all. Plus add in a bunch of hysterical laughter and what do you get? Super-Star singing ( at least according to the videoke...)!!! We got so worked up on the song, we sang it again in the end! And you know what? We were all in one piece!!! None of us exploded from the laughter and from straining to reach the high notes (especially during the "Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for meeeeee"!).

Sigh, now it's back to work in the GY shift, strapped to the call master. And what are we doing? Looking up the next US Holiday for possible forced leaves or half-days or any opportunity to go back to Providence. And next time, Pao you better be with us. I'd love to hear your rendition of Aegis' "Halik"!

Here are some facts about Bohemian Rhapsody from Song Facts:

Freddie Mercury wrote the lyrics, and there has been a lot of speculation as to their meaning. Mercury's parents were deeply involved in Zoroastrianism, and words like "Bismillah" do have a meaning in that religion. His family grew up in Zanzibar, but was forced out by government upheaval in 1964, and they moved to England. Some of the lyrics could be about leaving his homeland behind.

Mercury may have written "Galileo" into the lyrics for the benefit of Brian May, who is an astronomy buff. Galileo is a famous astronomer known for being the first to use a refracting telescope

A lot of words from the lyrics appear in the Qu'ran. "Bismillah" is one of these and it literally means "In the name of Allah." The word "Scaramouch" means "A stock character that appears as a boastful coward." "Beelzebub" is one of the many names given to The Devil.

In 2002, this came in #1 in a poll by Guinness World Records as Britain's favorite single of all time. John Lennon's "Imagine" was #2, followed by The Beatles' "Hey Jude."

Queen did not use any synthesizers on the album, which is something they were very proud of.

In the UK, this was #1 for 9 weeks, a record at the time. In 1991, this was re-released in the UK shortly after Freddie Mercury's death. It again went to #1, with proceeds going to the Terrence Higgins Trust, which Mercury supported.

Queen made a video for this to air on Top Of The Pops, a popular British music show, because the song was too complex to perform live. It started a trend in the UK of making videos for songs to air in place of live performances. When MTV launched in 1981, most of their videos came from British artists for this reason.

The video was very innovative. It was the first where the visual images took precedence over the song. It was based on their album cover, with the 4 band members looking up into the shadows. It was shot in 3 hours for $3,500. Effects were achieved by using camera feedback and prism lenses. At the time, it looked high-tech. It was also the first music video in the sense that it was shot in video instead of film.

Feel like singing too? Enjoy!

Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide,
No escape from reality.

Open your eyes,
Look up to the skies and see,
I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy,
Because I'm easy come, easy go,
Little high, little low,
Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me, to me.

Mama just killed a man, Put a gun against his head,
pulled my trigger, now he's dead.
Mama, life had just begun, But now I've gone and thrown it all away.
Mama, ooh, Didn't mean to make you cry,
If I'm not back again this time tomorrow,
Carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters.

Too late, my time has come,
Sends shivers down my spine,
body's aching all the time.
Goodbye, ev'rybody, I've got to go,
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth.
Mama, ooh, I don't want to die,
I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all.

I see a little silhouetto of a man,
Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango.
Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very fright'ning me.
(Galileo.) Galileo. (Galileo.) Galileo, Galileo figaro Magnifico.
I'm just a poor boy and nobody loves me.
He's just a poor boy from a poor family,
Spare him his life from this monstrosity.
Easy come, easy go, will you let me go.
Bismillah! No, we will not let you go. (Let him go!)
Bismillah! We will not let you go. (Let him go!)
Bismillah! We will not let you go. (Let me go.)
Will not let you go. (Let me go.)
Will not let you go. (Let me go.)
Ah. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. (Oh mama mia, mama mia.)
Mama mia, let me go. Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me,
for me, for me.

So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye.
So you think you can love me and leave me to die.
Oh, baby, can't do this to me, baby,
Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here.
Nothing really matters, Anyone can see,
Nothing really matters, Nothing really matters to me.
Any way the wind blows.

It's Potching's Birthday!

2005-05-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Pot will be turning 4 this Wednesday and I am soooo excited! In fact, I seem to be more excited than the little boy himself! I asked him what he wants and he just mentioned two things:

GUNDAM

and

MATCHBOX

Of course, birthdays are all about gifts and toys and these two items were specified already so I'll have to make sure that "ammunition" (read: money) is enough to cover these. As you know, those Gundam thingies could really dent your pocket. I wonder why the webbed wonder, Spiderman, is not mentioned here. Better make room for that, too.

As for the birthday "feast", again I asked Potching what he wants for his special day. These are what he wants:

Spaghetti with Meatballs ( it used to be just Spaghetti but he discovered his Baby Genius CDs and heard the song "On top of spaghe-ee-eee--ttttiiiiiii, all covered with cheese... I lost my poor meatball when someboady sneezed....". Hence, the need to include meatballs in the Birthday Spaghetti)

Tinola (pronounced Ti-now-la. Now I gotta admit this kid has a weird taste for menu entrees, but hey, it's HIS day so thaw the chicken and get the broth bubbling!)

Lumpiang Shanghai (pronounced Lum-sham Sham-ai. YUM!)

Of course, The Cake. I remember how Potching panicked when I told him that he'll have his party next year. We sort of have a family tradition wherein all birthdays that fall on odd years get a birthday party while birthdays on an even year get a special outing or "pasyal". Since he's turning 4, I naturally told him that there will be no party and he was bothered and said he wanted one. He really wanted a party simply because he wants to have a birthday cake. Awww. I assured him all birthdays, whether odd or even, get a birthday cake especially little ones as special as he is!

Now there is no discussion anymore on the design of the cake. He specifically said, about 2 months ago, that he wants a Spiderman cake. We ordered it from Art Cakes and they really have yummy cakes that you can combine with cupcakes and cookies for parties. What we got is a simple 10-inch diameter cake with a red base and icing like webs with a great black spider on the middle. ASTIG!

Part of the special request are red and blue balloons to go with the cake. Now this I gotta make sure because one time, he was given a free balloon and as soon as we got home, it grazed one of his Lollie's (read: Lola) plants with tiny thorns on the ends and BAM! One look at the torn pieces of what used to be his balloon and I could see the tears forming in his eyes and he just said in this sad little voice: "Wala na akong balloon..." So now, to make up for that lost balloon, we'll make sure there'd be enough balloons to go by.

Oh and just in time for his birthday, one of our relatives from Baguio came to visit us and gave Potching some birthday money (I wonder where they were when it was MY birthday and I didn't have enough moolah to even buy me a cup of ice cream...)!

So to prepare for Potching's 4th birthday, I have made the necessary arrangements to take a leave from the office (yesh!!!), my Dad has changed his itinerary to be able to return on Wednesday from a business trip and my Mom is going to whip up the best birthday feast for the most special kid in our lives.

Happy Birthday, Potching!!!

Who is Amorelle?

2005-05-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

My complete name is Amorelle Dela Cruz Ugale. I have always preferred to be called by my nickname LEI mainly because it's easier to remember and spell and at the same time, I don't get asked where I got my name. But with Amorelle, not only do I have a hard time spelling out my name to them (they always get it wrong) but I myself have no idea where my Mom got it. She told me she got it from a book but I never really got around to digging more info beyond that. I am quite ashamed to admit it but sometimes I wish my Mom just named me Nicole (always loved that name) or Diana (sounds like royalty to me...beauty AND royalty) or something common like Karen or Kristine.

Now imagine my surprise when I googled my name Amorelle (I know it's pathetic to even do this but it's 4 AM and I don't have anything exciting to do...) and pops out a book written by Hill, Grace Livingston Hill. I am not familiar with the author (poor me...) but apparently, she wrote a book published in the 70s. The synopsis of the book goes like this:

George Horton was handsome and wealthy, and he had all but swept lovely Amorelle Dean off her feet with his unexpected marriage proposal. Amorelle accepted, but as time passed she became more and more doubtful. George really didn't seem to care for her thoughts, beliefs, or intermost feelings. How could they be happy?

Then, as if in answer to her prayers for guidance, Amorelle unexpectedly found herself sharing a wonderful day with another man. A man who seemed to speak the language of her heart. Now she knew what true love could be-and what she must do. But is she too late to change her mind?

This is the book's cover:

Amazon.com's review goes like this:

When Amorelle finds herself orphaned and alone she thinks she must marry to survive. When she realizes that she cannot go through with the marriage ceremony she must escape the man she does not love. She finds that by helping others without telling them about her past she helps herself. Then she realizes that she really is seeking love, not security and her world begins to change.

Wow, even this Amorelle has troubles finding the "man who will speak the language of her heart". Sigh, don't we all? But going back into the topic, I'm starting to think I have a cool name. I may still get troubled expressions from people trying to rack their brains for the spelling of my name but at least I know exactly where my name came from. And by the way, the book is rated 5 stars! Will the real Amorelle also have a stellar review of her life? Hope so.

Lessons from Mom

2005-05-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

My mom told me to search for an article about lessons we learn from our Moms because she heard one from their Sunday church service. I googled "Lessons from Mom" and this was the first article in the list and the one she was referring to. I knew she had ESP, as well as the other v

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning!"

My mother taught me RELIGION
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

My mother taught me LOGIC
"Because I said so, that's why."

My Mother taught me LOGIC...#2
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

My mother taught me FORESIGHT
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

My mother taught me IRONY
"Keep crying and I'll give you something to cry about."

My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper!"

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONIST
"Will you "look" at the dirt on the back of your neck!"

My mother taught me about STAMINA
"You'll sit there 'till all that spinach is finished."

My mother taught me about WEATHER
"It looks as if a tornado swept through your room."

My mother taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS
"If I yelled because I saw a meteor coming toward you; would you listen THEN?"

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY
"If I've told you once, I've told you a million times - Don't Exaggerate!"

My mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
"Stop acting like your father!"

My mother taught me about ENVY
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do!"

My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION...
"Just wait until we get home."

My Mother taught me about RECEIVING....
"You are going to get it when we get home!"

My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE...
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD...
"If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job."

My Mother taught me ESP...
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you're cold?"

My mother taught me HUMOR
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

My Mother taught me about GENETICS...
"You're just like your father."

My Mother taught me about my ROOTS...
"Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE...
"When you get to be my age, you will understand."

And my all time favorite...JUSTICE...
"One day you'll have kids ... and I hope they turn out just like you!"

Happy Mother's Day!

2005-05-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

I remember Rainbow Brite Jellyace, Horlick's candies, Pringles when it was still one flavor (the one in red canister), trips to Milky way in Magallanes and any ice cream shop, 64-color Crayola crayons with built-in sharpener, a Barbie that only I had because it was imported, looking up the word carinosa because I heard her use that to describe me and feeling so warm all over after knowing what it meant, Keebler's cookies, Hi-C and my baon, great food everyday, sweet-smelling clothes and the regular checking of my school uniform to make sure I don't look scraggly going to class, fighting off the urge to confront me because she knew I was in deep shit but was too proud to ask for help, and until now, showing me what it means to be a mother, even if I am one myself. I'd be OK if I was half as good as you were, Ma. Love you so much!!!

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby ......
somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, "Normal," is history.

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct ...
Somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Somebody said being a mother is boring ......
Somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.

Somebody said if you're a "good" mother, your child will "turn out good."
Somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

Somebody said "good" mothers never raise their voices .....
Somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.

Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.
Somebody never helped a fourth grader with her math.

Somebody said you can't love the fifth child as much as you love the first.
Somebody doesn't have five children.

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books ....
Somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery ...
Somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten,or on a plane headed for military "boot camp."

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back ...
somebody never organized four giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married ....
Somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home ....
Somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her ...
Somebody isn't a mother.

The Hand that Rocks the Cradle

Blessings on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Infancy's the tender fountain,
Power may with beauty flow,
Mother's first to guide the streamlets,
From them souls unresting grow--
Grow on for the good or evil,
Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Woman, how divine your mission
Here upon our natal sod!
Keep, oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother-love impearled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Blessings on the hand of women!
Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
And the sacred song is mingled
With the worship in the sky--
Mingles where no tempest darkens,
Rainbows evermore are hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

William Ross Wallace (1819-1881)

This Day in Music

2005-05-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

I came across This Day In Music while bloghopping (tell me what else you can do when all the juicy websites are in surf control) and found out that on the day I was born "Night Fever" by BeeGees was the No.1 song in the US while "Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush topped the British charts.

I am familiar with Night Fever but I was only vaguely familiar with Kate Bush. I remember seeing a video of her when I was 7 or 8 years old and her singing went like:

"Waaaahoooooooahhhhhh....waaaaaaahoooahhhhhh"

She was also flailing her arms like there were two giant Standard electric fans attached to her arms. So you can just imagine my interest being piqued especially since her song topped UK charts, gracing the day I was born (heehee).

Kate Bush sing about Heathcliff and Catherine...

Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights" is based on Emily Bronte's classic novel of the same title. When this rose to #1 Kate Bush became the first female to top the UK charts with a self composed song. This was the first song Bush recorded for a label. It was released as a single, and while the music press dismissed the song as a novelty, it hit #1 in Britain. It stayed there for 4 weeks and launched her career at age 19 (Taken from Songfacts. Click here for more.)

The song is actually haunting if you get to listen to it. Since I am a klutz in these things, the link to the music sample is here and just click on Wuthering Heights(shempre) to see what I mean. I don't know why this song gives me goosebumps. I guess it's because Kate Bush has a shrill singing voice and while it is not grating to the ears, it is an unusual voice pitch. Couple this with the plotline of Ms. Bronte's much-loved classic and poof! You get a #1 song inspired by a classic novel of love and revenge, in life and beyond. Whew! What a great song to go with my birth!

"...Bad dreams in the night. You told me I was going to lose the fight,

Leave behind my wuthering, wuthering Wuthering Heights.
Heathcliff, it's me-- I'm Cathy. I've come home.

I'm so cold! Let me in-a-your window..."

Back to the 80's

2005-05-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

I AM OLD. Not wrinkly old but nearing the end of my twenty-something years. Yikes! That's probably the reason why all-out parties seem to be tiring. Bedtime is at 9 pm whereas before I could pull off until 2 AM and wake up at 6 AM feeling ready to face another stressful schoolday. I find myself looking forward to weekends not to hie off to the latest hotspot but to a much-needed rest (sleep, actually). I am past the quarter-life crisis and have simmered down as far as idealism is concerned and have learned to look at things beyond iPods and stuff. And, I find myself comparing the NOW into life back then. Sigh...I can say that I have spent a considerable amount of time watching Kuya Germs' That's Entertainment (wala pa kasing cable/satellite TV nun!) and spent lazy afternoons chatting up friends via the landline (texting was never heard of!). Weekends were spent not bar-hopping but house-hopping, and the kilig factor with the opposite sex was intensified by what were called interactions or soirees. Uh-huh, mall time was rarely spent out with friends because that was a special time with Mom and Dad. There were no Starbucks then and coffee was boring since it came straight from the glass jar which would double as a drinking glass later on. I lived in those days when as long as there is an Andok's Lechon Manok stand, you'd know you're still in the Philippines and hot pan de sal was sold at every corner (Bread Talk? Nah! Bread was either the loaf bread (Tasty to some of you) or the pan de sal). And since we are already reminiscing, let me post this email I got presumably from someone from my age group reliving the nostalgia of my time...THE EIGHTIES, Pinoy Style!

1. Pogi ka kung kasama sa porma mo ang Sperry Topsiders, Timberland, Cole Haan, Espadrilles (na pinilahan mo pa sa Whistle Stop o sa Cash and Carry), Tretorn or Guess Pants, Fiorucci, Calvin Klein or Levi's with buttons ala 501, argyle socks, woven leather belts, Ermenigildo Zegna, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren at iba pa,one-size-fits- all Hanes T-shirt, pabangong Chaps, Van Cleef, Gray Flannel or Kouros, Denman brushes, Dippity Do or Dep hair gel, Bermuda shorts worn with plaid long- sleeves. Christian Dior, YSL, Rayban Wayfarers.

Hanggang Tretorn alng naman ako...yung Kuya ko yan panahon nya yung Topsiders ar Espadrilles...Pero 6 years old ako nun, naka-espadrilles buong pamilya ko, hehe!

2. Macho ka kung ang porma mo ay parang kay Don Johnson ng Miami Vice at kung naglalaro ka ng football. O nag-aaral ka ng tae kwon do or marunong mag butterfly pag nag si-swimming ka. Sobrang macho ka kung may pandesal ka sa tiyan habang nakasuot ng hanging shirt.

Hehe, utol ko lang ulet ang may pormang ganto!

3. Pretty ka kung meron kang pencil-cut skirt (calf-length, three to four inches above the ankle), pabangong Nenuco o De Ne Nes, permed hair a la Madonna or teased bangs na pinatigas ng Aquanet, shoulder pads ala Joan Collin a.k.a. Alexis Carrington in Dynasty), Benetton shirt, Esprit outfit at namimili ka ng gamit sa Sari-Sari, Tokyo, Hannah,Tickles and Regina's in Shoppesville.

Ay favorite ko yung Tickles and back then, sa Greenhills lang meron nito. Lahat ng notebook at pencils, wallet, lahat na, Tickles ang tatak! And Nenuco ensured that the entire school smelled the same!!!

4. In na in ka kung napuntahan mo ang mga concerts nina Mike Francis, Swing Out Sisters, Earl Klugh, Earth, Wind and Fire, James Ingram, Genesis noong unang punta pa lang nila dito sa Pilipinas.

Bata pa po ako nung mga panahong ito. But I loved SOS and Mike Francis!!!

5. Sosyal ka kung malimit ka sa Jazz Rhythm &Booze at kumakain ka sa Cafe Ysabel, Bistro Burgos, Dean Street Cafe, Stargazer, Mars, Makati Ave., Angelino's and East St. Lois, Cosmo and Kudo's at nag-babakasyon ka sa Matabungkay Beach Club o Baguio Country Club. Golf sa Polo Club, or Wack-Wack.

Naabutan ko pa yung Dean's Street Cafe nung college. Tambayan namen yung sa may Shaw Blvd. And the place to be in was at Angelino's Tagaytay (dinner under the stars!).

6. Wala pang videoke kundi karaoke.
7. Ang preso lang may tattoo.
8. Computer noon AT at ATX windows 3.1. In na In and radio na may B&W TV na kasing bigat na car battery.

Wordstar naman...

9. Ang intindi mo ng LOL ay ULOL imbes na Laughing Out Loud.

I cannot stop laughing at this one!

10. Na-tsismis na bulati ang beef patty ng Jollibee.

11. Kinilig ka nang malaman mong ikakasal si Pops at si Martin.

Penthouse Live ito!!!

12. Piso lang ang isang basong taho at kailangan mong magdala ng sarili mong baso kasi wala pang plastic cups no'n si manong magtataho.
13. Lechon Manok pa ang pinag lilihihan ng taumbayan.
14. Tarzan, Jojo, Bazooka Joe, Clover bits at Tootsie Roll ang pinagkakagastusan mo ng mga beintesinko mo.

Bazooka Joe yung may libreng mini-comics chaka sikat nun yung White Rabbit kse nakakain pati yung wrapper!

15. Nagkakakalyo ka dahil typewriter pa ang ginagamit mo para sa mga school paper mo...kaya bentang-benta pa ang carbon paper at liquid paper.
16. Sa Ortigas Center ka tinuturuang magmaneho kasi puro talahib pa yon no'n.

OMG, back then Ortigas Center was Windy City in the Philippines! Kse wala pang high-rise noon!

17. Cool ang bumati sa iyong crush sa FM radio.
18. May mascot pa ang 99.5 RT na binebenta sa Gift Gate.

Hindi ko sha kilala... I guess I'm not THAT old, hehe!

19. Baduy pa noon si Lea Salonga dahil sa That's Entertainment.
20. Iniisip mong dapat mag- retire na si Jaworski dahil kuwarenta na siya.
21. Egoy na egoy pa si Michael Jackson.

Mukha pa shang tao nun, kamo!

22. Si Harry Gasser ang newscaster ng bayan.
23. Kay Amado Pineda ka lang naniniwala pag ukol sa panahon ang balita.
24. Sintonado pa ang Eraserheads habang nag-ja-jamming sa Club Dredd.
25. Tinuruan kang mag-toning ng iyong nanay dahil kay Johnny Midnite.
26. Naglalagay ka ng pyramid sa tabi ng iyong unan para good vibes.
27. Nilalagyan mo ng watch-guard ang iyong Swatch.

28. Herbert Bautista was a campus politician.
29. P18 to $1 ang palitan sa black market.
30. May black market pa noon.
31. Illegal pa ang mga paputok.
32. Ang paborito mong tsokolate ay Chocnut at Mallows.

Hanggang ngayon, totoo to!

33. Drag race sa Greenhills at Corinthians.
34. Kumain sa Burger machine o sa Goodahhhh ng madaling araw.
35. Usong sayaw ay "Swing" at cool ka kung mahilig ka sa "Jazz".
36. Pag-summer umaakayat kayong barkada sa Baguio para makipag- sosyalan.
37. Swaret sa Assumption, Poveda, Mary Knoll, St.Paul's, St. Scho.

Umm, I think it's soiree...

38. Sa Party. Lassalians nagsasayaw, Ateneans nagsososyalan, Bedans kumakain...
39. Marami pang Mestizo at Mestiza noon...
40. Masarap pang mamasyal at pomorma anytime / anywhere / anyday.

The More Important Things in Life

2005-04-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

Got this thru the an email sent by my colleague (Thanks, Anne!). Read through and enjoy!

LIFE...

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away."

So in the spirit of LIFE and LAUGHTER, here are some funny pics picked up from

FunnySign

Malamang, diba?

Bomalabs mo, meyn!

Delikado ata dito ah....

Look who's talking!

Isa pa 'tong pasaway!

Magsama nga kayo ni Do Not Enter sa Entrance Only!

Ipakilala natin si Star Bread ke Star Margarine!

Sabay punta tayo dito para free bacon! Yahoo!

Have a great day and have a great laugh!

What I Have Been Doing

2005-04-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

Whoo-hoo! That was a nice vacation from racking my brains for a good post. Nevertheless, I had fun especially since I discovered other people's blogs that were REALLY worth reading!!! Check out the Laugh Trip and Fruit Loops area to check out my favorite sites.

One of the best discoveries while bloghopping is Converstations of Famous People. In the past two weeks that I have been reading this blog everyday (not to mention checking it twice or thrice daily just so I could get the latest scoop on Hollywood fashion, and the lack of it...), I have updated myself with Britney's baby bump, Lindsay's tan, Paris' wonky eyes and more!!! Loads of pictures coupled with the wittiest remarks! Now, how many times have people checked out my computer screen just to see what I am guffawing about. To DJ (Distressed Jeans), I can't imagine what life would be without your blog! Your site is red hot !

Another site I have been frequenting is Dana's Dirt. Get a load of her honest, slap-in-the-wrist remarks also on our favorite topic - Hollywood's A-Listers! So to Dana, here's a chili to you, too!

Along with these two sites are The Superficial, Pink is The New Blog, and Skin Deep Source. From plastic surgery (with before and after pics!!! What a treasure trove!), scandals and gossip, you just gotta check it out and believe me, those hiatus signs will also be posted until you have scored all of their posts because, hehe, that's what I did!

On a more serious note, all this bloghopping has led me to yet another favorite site, that, I think, has greatly affected the way I view people's lives. I used to think that, sure, all of us have secrets. But do you have enough guts to admit on this secret, write it on a post card for the world to see? I can only imagine the relief these people must feel upon making that step towards closure. I have felt sorry for some of them, amazed at the candidness of some and even appalled at the other's stark honesty of their secrets. Check out Post Secret and get a jolt of reality.

Be Back Soon!

2005-04-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Life's a Big Slide

2005-04-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

What a day I had today. I promised Potching I'd take him to Kids at Work at Gloriettta and of course, I wanted to treat him to a fun day also . As soon as we arrived, Pot went and dove into the pool of colorful plastic balls and seemed fine. But I knew he wanted to do something more. There was this gigantic spiral slide on one side of the play place and in order for him to get up there, he must climb a number of "ladders" (they were nets, actually), cross a rope bridge (couldn't describe it...) before he finaly goes wheee down the slide.

Now even though Pot is only 3 years old, I think he is the most nerbiyosong preschooler I have ever met. Sigurista just like me, he would never put himself in a position where gravity is included among the risks. He made that clear to me. So he contented himself with climbing the slide from the bottom. A big risk, especially if there are a bunch of hefty 8-year old kids sliding down. I almost pulled all my hair out when Pot hadn't emerged from the slide after 3 minutes (stupid me...)...So what would a determined Mom like me naturally do? I went along with Pot in his climb to the peak of Mt. Gigantic Slide! Yep, I climbed all those ropes and traversed all those cubby holes, almost braking my back from lack of exercise. And it felt so good! I felt like I was back in elementary. Of course, I still had enough dignity to prevent myself from going all the way down the slide. Pot and I went up three times and I figured, if I could just synchornize my activities with that of Pot, I'll definitely lose all those unwanted pounds! No wonder that kid never gained an ounce no matter what he eats!

After that, I felt a good about myself. Seeing Pot's face, all giddy with excitement and anticipation of the next ride, made the huffing and puffing up the ladder all worth it. I remember the first time Pot rode the mini-train when he was 2. I could not ride with him because it was a kiddie train. What do you know, Pot rode on it, made no hesitations and rode off...and with a backward glance, waved and smiled bye-bye to me. It showed me the shape of things to come, when children would have to move on with their lives and just when we think that they are all too independent, they look back and acknowledge us.

And when I stood outside the slide waiting for Pot to come out, I realized, time will come that I would only be standing in the sidelines, waiting for Pot to come out of life's experience with the hope that he come out with his spirit whole and his maturity increased. I can't ride along throughout his life and forever take control of the what-might-be's in life. One way or another, he's gonna have to climb that steep ladder all by himself and enjoy the wheeee of coming down. All I can asusre him is that I'll always be around, waiting for him to come out.

The Essence of a Good Haircut

2005-04-06T00:10:00.000-07:00

Today, I got into the bus and suddenly had a realization:

Potching was a very good boy yesterday! No whining. No begging for chocolates. No delaying tactics before taking a bath. Could it be because he just had a haircut? Yup. We had all his hair shaved off to coax MORE hair to sprout. That little boy's head's just won't sprout more hair! Good thing he looks really good being kalbo. Which reminds me that I need to have my hair cut also...actually, I need someone to FIX my hair. You see, two weeks ago I was so frustrated with my hair because it started to resemble a mop head. Long curls everywhere! So one really frustrating night, I just got my elementary-years scissors and just went snip, snip, snip! I think I took off 2 inches allover. The result? It was not bad. It was not good either!

I now appreciate hairdressers and what geniuses they are for creating a lovely head of hair. The just really know how to cut the hair so it won't "fly away". No cowlicks or anything and even if you miss one or two hair appointments, the hair grows fabulously!

Now, I am in between paychecks and my hair looks like a 70's shag. This is sooo NOT good. And it seems to have taken a life of its own, going all sorts of directions. So, now, I am forced to save up and go to my Mom's hairdresser who gives a really good cut as long as you give a really good pay. Fine by me as long as I get this rut out of my hair!

Salutations To The Wonderful People

2005-04-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

Today, I salute the two types of people that most of us just take for granted. Nah, I'm not talking about our Moms and Dads (whom I love so much, by the way). These people are our friends, classmates, bosses, everybody! They make life so animated and add so much sparkle in conversations, beat us out of boredom and make us look forward to what more they can offer! Who are these people? Read on!

1. The IT-HAPPENED-TO-ME-ONCE-TOO People

I had a fun conversation today with Megsy and Amabelle over lunch. Our topic revolved around people who tend to exaggerate things and events to make the world seem like it revolves aound them. This is the type of person that has the exact same experience as that of everyone in the discussion pool at one time or another. The kind of person where you go as insanely impossible as you can and she justcould not get the drift:

YOU: "I had this really amazing time at the Museum of Knives and Forks..."

MS. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: "Oh yeah, me too!"

YOU: "Have you ever punched a shark in the face?"

MS. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: "Absolutely!"

YOU: "I remember when I was young, I had a friend who was a witch with a magical eye wherein you can see how you're supposed to die... (obviously quoting a movie plot here)"

MS. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: "I know! I had the exact same experience..."

Okay so the example above is an exaggerration, too but you get the point. And as if that is not enough, this person launches into a blow-by-blow account of the said similar experience with matching trivia here and there. Then what happens? There are LOOPHOLES in the story! But who cares? Pathetic? Maybe. Entertaining? Definitely, especially if this person is already well out of earshot.

I have nothing against these people personally. These people are what we call the spice of life! They're the conversation starters. They generate much suspense you pee in your pants. They can tell these stories in such a credible manner, you'd never bother separating facts from fiction! Now who would not love to have these people in ther lives?

2. The MUTTERS UNDER HER BREATH People

The next type of people I just love are the those who love to WHISPER comments when they think you can't hear them anymore. These people agree to what you are saying and even look you in the eye and the minute you turn your head EVER SO SLIGHTLY in the different direction, they MUTTER UNDER THEIR BREATHS what is really on their mind. They are the ones who do not have yet the confidence to air out their opinions so they lower their voice pitch into a bazillion decibels so at least they manage to get it out of their chests. Too bad you have ears so bionic you could detect the sonic ping underwater.

Most of the time, these people just want something very differnet from what is the norm or from what is happening. To illustrate:

" Don't you think maybe we could have access to Friendster? YM? MS Word?"

" It's really against the company policy.."

"Oh okay. (Mutters) You'd think I'm asking for rubies!"

"Did you say something?"

"No..(Smiles sweetly), I'm fine. (Mutters again)..Or emeralds!"

"Huh?"

"Nothing."

See? Mutterers are actually the voice of the world! They may or may not have our sentiments but they do have an opinion and most of the time, it's the one that matters! It may seem trivial to some but what these mutterers say are logical and well-thought of.

Now that you are aware of just two of the many people that I just love to bits in my life, I think you all agree with me here:

To all the people who MUTTER UNDER THEIR BREATHS and for the IT-HAPPENED-TO-ME-ONCE-TOO people, hats off to you! You make everyday talk have a life of its own and for that, here is a bunch of fruits for all of you..

for all the fun, fruity flavors you gave my life!

Pot and the Bean Bags

2005-04-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

I should have seen it coming. Last Friday was my rest day so naturally, I spent the whole day at home with Potching. Now for those of you who do not know, Potching is almost 4-years old now and is, in my opinion, Dennis the Menace in the flesh.

So, that scorching Friday afternoon, I was the one who took a siesta while he was "not yet sleepy". That shoulda been my hint. I should've sat up but, hey, what's a 4-year old boy gonna do? Ha! Ask the bean bags.

Those pesky little white balls!!!

Wait till you meet Pot!

I woke up to about 50 really small white styrofoam balls. I casually asked Pot where he got them and he gave me a straight answer,"From the bean bags". As if that is the most normal thing to do. Oof, I forgot, I am dealing with a preschooler whose curiosity is legendary and has as much energy as the Ironman Triathletes. Oh-kay. I calmy and firmly told him not to take anymore of those little white balls from the bean bags.

Fast forward to Sunday afternoon and I was at work. Pot was left with my Mom, who,by for some unforeseen force, also fell asleep instead of the little boy (see the pattern now?). Mom recalled hearing tiny footsteps going to and fro, passing in front of the room, to be exact. She remembers asking Pot what he was doing and again, the response was "Wala, Lollie" (innocent voice). Now, you should know that when children answer in those innocent little voices, you bet something's not right. My mom woke up and Lo and Behold, it's Winter Wonderland!!! Almost the entire floor of the sala was covered in those little white balls!!!

And what did Pot say? "Ginawa ko lang silang bubbles."
But they did not float or fly. "Pina-flyyyyyy ko lang sila..."
I asked him how did he get those balls..."In-open ko lang yung bean bag tapos kinunin ko yung balls. Tapos pina-flyyyyy ko sila na ganyan (demonstrating how he threw those pesky little white balls)." Oh and he followed with "Pero hindi ko na gagawin yun kse ayaw ni Lollie e". There. What more can you say? He did it because he wanted to but he's not gonna do it AGAIN because nobody wants him to. With logic and reasoning like that, I'm sure you're gonna go places. What would life be without you, Pot.

Incidentally, like the beloved Pope John Paul II, Potching's birthday is also May 18. Told you he'd be great.

Humans For Sale!

2005-03-30T23:20:00.000-08:00

Check out this website I found! I Googled the word bored and it took me to a list of a thousand websites to cure office boredom. This site caught my attention and here are the results:

I am worth $1,621,250.00 on HumanForSale.com

Imagine, little 'ol me just sitting on my desk for 8 straight hours and I am worth more than a million bucks! Must be my magnetic personality...or my fabulous wit and unending charm....Hmm, any takers though?

True Beauty

2005-03-30T17:04:00.000-08:00

I just got this from an email (again) and

am sharing this for all you Beautiful Women (and Men na ren)!

It gives a beautiful insight on what real beauty is

and gives us all a way of looking at how beauty is completely achieved.

Did you know that it's Beautiful Women Month?

Well, it is and that means you and me !!!

Below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her "beauty tips." It was read at her funeral years later.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child

run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that

you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be

restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;

never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,

you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;

one for helping yourself,
and the other for helping others.

Wish List

2005-03-29T17:01:00.000-08:00

Uso ang Wish List sa mga blogs diba? Ako isa lang naman e. San nagpapatawa lang yung TM namen about the whole lipatan thing sa Shared. That would be a great April Fool's especially since ilang araw na lang a-uno na ng Abril. So yun...wish ko lang.

Konti na Lang! 12 Ang Score Ko!

2005-03-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

natanggap ko lang to sa email. Be honest sa sagot ha!

Message: Yes or no lang. Walang depende. Lagyan mo na rin kung bakit. Ok? okay..

A. NAGAWA mo na bang..

1. Maglakad sa kalye khit d ka pa nagsusuklay at hihilamos sa umaga? Hindi pa naman...di pa ako ganun katamad!
2. Tumawid sa baha ng Espana? Hindi kse taga-Diliman ako e...
3. Maligo sa ulan na walang bra/brief? Nung bata pa ako...
4. Tumawid sa no jaywalking zone? Oo nung graveyard shift pa ako. Wala naman pulis e.
5. Magdial ng mga number sa telepono ng mga taong d mo kilala? Hindi kse feeling ko makikilala nya ako. Praning ako e.
6. Maglagay ng thumbtacks sa upuan ng teacher mo? Hindi sa teacher. Sa classmate. Bomba ang balak ko ilagay sa upuan ng teacher ko e, nyahahahahaha!
7. Magsulat sa pader ng school? Hindi kse magagalit yung mga madre ng school...
8 . Magsulat sa puno? Hindi ren kse nahuli yung barkada ko nun e! Sinulat ba naman pangalan nya. Boblets.
9. Akyat sa bakod ng school? Yep! Kse ayaw magpalabas e tatawid lang naman kme.
10. Magpanggap na ibang tao sa telepono? Ay oo. Pag napag-tripan namen.
11. Isumbong ang kaklase mong pinakopya mo na nataasan ka pa? Hindi ako snitch. Diskarte mo na kung mangongopya ka pero I bet mas mataas pa ren score ko sayo, hehe...
12. Halikan ang crush mo habang tulog? Scary naman to. Di pa. Baka magulat masapak ka pa ng di oras...
13. Awayin ang school guard nyo? Mabait si Mr. Ubas (oo, yun ang pangalan nya) e! Love ko sha! Pero yung ibang sikyu, inaaway ko pag pasaway o mayabang umasta!

B. KAYA mo bang..

1. Mag shop lift? Hindi kse naniniwala ako sa karma
2. Pindutin ung fire alarm sa bldg nio? Madaling pumindot, mahirap pang nagkagulo na...
3. Tapikin sa balikat ung priest sa simbahan? Dahil? I doubt it.. Hindi ako pumupunta sa simbahan at lalong hindi ako lumalapit sa pari...
4.. Patayin ung speaker o ung microphone ng teacher mo? Malabong mangyari kse may bantay lagi...lam mo naman palakad ng madre ang school ko nun...
5. Matulog ng walang damit sa ibang bahay? Khet nung babay ako naka-damit na ako e...so hindi.
6. Dayain ang grades mo? Oh yes. Kse uso sa amin noon yung ipapa-check sa seatmate. Kala ng teacher red ballpen gamit namen. Ang totoo is red yung case pero black ang tinta!!! Bahala na kme kung ilang mali ang gusto namin... Evil, no?
7. Magbihis sa harap ng mga tao? Oo naman. lalo na kung close freinds mo na...
8. Itago ang phone ng kaibigan mo?' Haha...Oo...Si JM ang madalas kong pagtripan...nakahandusay kse ang phone e.
9. Mag pretend na galit sa friend mo? Oo. Hindi ko na maalala kse gradeschool pa ako nun e...
10. Manutok ng baril? Hindi. Mejo nakaka-trauma naman yun e, lalo na dun sa natutukan.

C. BINALAK mo na bang?

1. Makipag live in sa bf/gf ng best friend mo? Oo. Buti na lang hindi natuloy.
2. Makipag date sa crush ng bestfriend mo? Hindi kse bad yun.
3. Mang agaw ng bf/gf ng may bf/gf? Hindi kse nga bad yun. Para ka namang mauubusan. Walang dignity ang ganun (yabang!)
4. Magtulak ng drugs? Nuh-uh! Bangkok Pills ba drugs?
5.Mag utos ng tao para pumatay? Hindi. Pano kung hindi malinis trabaho nung nautusan mo? Hehe.
6. Magpanggap na patay ka na? Oo. Laro lang. Kse nga kunwari ako si Dock Ock tapos Spiderman yung anak ko...ganun lang.
7. Mangolekta ng limos sa kalsada? I BEG YOUR PARDON (See, sosyal me eh! Hehe)
8. Magpanggap na mahal mo ang isang tao kahit hndi mo mahal? Hindi. Waste of time and effort.
9. Maglagay ng patay na ipis sa upuan ng kaaway mo? Oo. Plastic lang sha. At hindi ko nilagay sa upuan ng kaaway ko. Nilagay ko sa upuan ng friend ko. Na nakikisakay lang ako. Astig ko no?
10. Magpadala ng death threat? Oo, telepathic death threat. Sana na-gets nya, haha!

SCORE:

Kapag 15 pataas ung yes mo, WELCOME TO THE CLUB ng mga taong malalakas magtrip!!! Hayop ka, lahat nalang ng trip sa buhay ginawa mona...Ewan ko ba, siguro meron pa jang mas grabe na ginawa mo!! YOU'RE IN!!!

11 to 14 - Malapit lapit ka na... konting lakas na lang ng loob!! YOU'RE OUT!

7-10 - Moody kang tao. Wala lang. Basta maisipan mo yun na.

6 - below - BORING KANG KASAMA...

The Happiness of Easter

2005-03-23T23:27:00.000-08:00

As we approach the celebration of Easter, first things first:

When I was younger, I dreaded the Holy Week. Imagine spending radio-less, TV-less 3 days(from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday). TV programming was limited to the last hours of Jesus while radios offered dead air. It did not help that there were no malls and practically nowhere to go to. Not to mention the sroching heat. All I could think of was a blur of yellow and orange (meaning the sun shining...or scorching). Back in Marikina, I could even hear some of my neighbors reciting the Pasion using speakers! While I spent the hot, sweaty days listening to this, I knew there were people off to the beach or to some splashy resort. Major bummer.

But as I grew older, something about these experiences made Holy Week something to look forward to. It was indeed time to relax but it was also a time to detach ourselves from "the world". It was a big change to spend afternoons talking with your family, or just lounge around without pressure of time or anything.

I relished our family's joyrides into Metro Manila which is virtually transformed into a ghost town, what with half the populace being in the provinces. Makati to Quezon City would only take 15 minutes, tops! It was also a great find if you can locate a place to eat that is still open even during Good Friday. What a treat!

And after all these seemingly boring days comes Easter where everyone comes alive! That was probably what our spirits are going through. We absorb ourselves too much in the hype of "living" taht we wear ourselves thin just doing it. We go through life aimlessly. Sure, we have the prized camera-phone or digicam we want (and nothing wrong with these investments, mind you). But in the end, we still feel a certain feeling of hunger and sense of fulfillment. But going through the Holy Week, we may not be as religious as the others who faithfully do the rituals of the season, but after purging ourselves of the material possesions that actually are the ones possessing us, it is refreshing to greet Easter Sunday. Suddenly, there are little noises that are actually assuring to hear. The sun seems to relent and just shower us with sunshine and everything is in a lighter shade. Probably what Jesus' believers felt when they knew He had risen. Everything seems perfect and there is the assurance that everything will be alright.

I once saw an episode in Oprah where there was a guest who compared all of us into little ships that were launched at sea from one Mother Ship. All of the little boats will go about their way and travel their lifetime but in the end, all those same little boats will eventually see that they are all going back into the Mother Ship. How comforting that all of us who travel through life will always have Him to go back to. A Blessed Easter to us all.

An Interrupted Life

2005-03-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

In 1969, the wild ones went to Woodstock.
The unlucky ones went to war.
But if you don't know where you were going,

they sent you to Claymoore.

Powerful statements if you ask me. If you lived during the 60s and had a smidgen of a doubt in yourself, then you definitely don't fit in. I remember this movie back in 2000 and it had such an impact on me I had to watch it. It was the first movie I watched alone and whatever impact this movie had on me before doubled. Whou wouldn't if you knew there was a place such as Claymoore where psychos, weirdos and the mentally disturbed were thrown into one place where they are kept to be released later on after being . Much like computer reimaging.

The central character, Susanna Kaysen was diagnosed as having Borderline Disorder Personality, a mental intability with symptoms much similar to laziness and self indulgence. There is a thin line between craziness and sanity and I guess these people were dancing back and forth on that line. Laziness and Self-Indulgence? What would you say about today's youth, huh? Not much different except now, it's percieved to be cool if you have gone though depression and burn-out before you hit 25. Makes you one of those REAL PEOPLE.

On the other hand, what is it with young women in touble that interests all of us? Why are Lisa Rowe, the sociopath who thinks everyone is a victim and that she is the only one free, Daisy Randone, the sexually abused rich girl who ended up hanging herself despite her belief that she has a chance in life, and Janet Webber, the anorexic-cigarette-puffing chick all affect us even if we grew up in a sheltered and comfortable life? For me, it was the reality that the mind is a treasure-trove of memories and experiences that sometimes can be overwhelming it literally drives us nuts. It can make us free or it can shut us into the confines of our own skull. And in those days wherein society dictates how we should be, there was no way out. Off you go to the loony bin. Unless they see you fit enough to conform to the norms, then you are going to rot there. And we are talking about electro-something as part of their therapy.

There was one scene in the movie wherein they were already dead into the winter season and all of the girls were hauled off into the ice cream parlor for, well, ice cream. And Susanna said it best: "Makes you think who the real nut job is." Ice cream makes you feel good and brings happy memories so here you go, 1 scoop of ice cream and that's your therapy for this week.

And there were a lot of fun moments too for the Claymoore girls. A montage of various events such as birthdays, playing bowling on the underground, and just plain goofing around the ward. I think you have not totally lost your mind if you still have your sense of fun.

And so I left the moviehouse that day as if I was floating. I was still recovering from the immersion I had with what science has considered to be sociopaths, and I know that this is far from the hell they go through.

Don't Be Fooled By The Rocks That I Got...

2005-03-20T23:11:00.000-08:00

I saw this pair of jeans at from The Fashion Spot J.Lo's clothing line and grabe, look at the staggering price...and the staggering size of that diamond! For $2M only, I wonder:

How are you supposed to wash these?
May extra button kaya (na brilyante ren?) just in case maalis yung nakakabit na butones?
May bibili kaya neto?
Makauwi ka kaya ng buhay?

Random thoughts lang. Ang gara, no? Ang babaw den...

Sharing My Seat

2005-03-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

"The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love."
-- William Wadsworth

Today is a Monday so as usual, getting a seat on the bus is as easy as seeing you ears. So I boarded the bus and wasn't even able to get to the middle of the aisle because it was already jampacked! I asked the conductor if I will be able to sit and he couldn't quite look at me. I was convinced this day would be a major bummer and was silently lashing at almost everything inside my head. The conductor was nice enough to create a makeshift seat for me but called my attention instead to one seat that was soon to be vacated (someone was supposed to go down at the toll booth areas). So I stood on the bus aisles when one man in his 50s ( I guess) stood up and offered me his seat. I thought he was the one going down so I whispered my thanks and sat gratefully. We passed the toll booths and the kind man did not go down. HE GAVE UP HIS SEAT FOR ME! I swear at that time, I was really humbled. It was easy for me to rant about not having a seat but when faced with utter kindness, I was totally stumped. I wanted to sink in my seat. I wanted to stand up again and offer him his seat back (although that would make him feel awkward I guess). I wanted to go back to the makeshift seat.

Now why does this kindness made me feel so...unworthy? Why did I feel so small? Why don't I think twice about jumping on someone because of a misfortune so mundane and happens to everyone yet become speechless when shown kindness?

It is these random acts of kindness that truly makes me feel grounded. Two feet on the ground. No whining and complaining. And because that man genuinely thought I needed the seat more, it made me realize when did I ever think about giving up something I paid for, or I needed because someone needed it more? How often do I consider other people's needs and feelings before mine?

As I approached Ayala, I stood up and called the kindly man and told him to sit on OUR chair. I silently wished him a blessing. Because he sure blessed me with what he did.

Glass of Milk

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, How much do I owe you? "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said.... "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Many years later that same young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to her case. After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requestedthe business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words... "Paid in full with one glass of milk" (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly. Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread broad through human hearts and hands."

There's a saying which goes something like this: Bread cast onthe waters comes back to you. The good deed you do today may benefit you or someone you love at the least expected time. If you never see the deed again at least you will have made the world a better place - and, after all, isn't that what life is all about?

Kiss My Ass!

2005-03-20T16:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! You are the Kiss My Ass Happy
Bunny. You don't care about anyone or anything.
You must be so proud...

which happy bunny are you?
brought to you by

Quizilla

Waiting for Harry

2005-03-19T22:11:00.000-08:00

Here is the UK version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Oooh I can't wait!!! PowerBooks, here I come with my Php 500.00 reservation fee!!!

All That Precious Time

2005-03-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, My son and I had our gimik. Yep, my almost-four-year-old son and I spent the whole day Friday at G4. What made that day momentous in some ways? It was Pot's first time to ride the bus! Usually, he has his Lollie and Daduy to take him to the malls but I, putting adventure and thriftiness into one, decided that this would be a great experience for him. So off we went to the bus station and at 10:30 AM, we were on our way to Manila. Pot's first reaction?

"Wala silang radio dito, Mommy?"

Pasensha na. I told him, they have TVs inside the bus so people won't get bored and he said "ohhhh". He didn't want to sit on my lap and was probably absorbing the view from "up where he is". Fifteen minutes into the South Super Highway and tulog na yung kasama ko. Oh well. So that is how eventful his first bus ride was. I kept the ticket for scrapbooking, though.

After that, we went to watch Robots at G4, had a blast eating all those chips and popcorn (M&Ms too for him) and ran some errands for my Mom. Of course, what trip with a preschooler be without a stopover at a Toy Store. was the best so far because they had all the toys imaginable. The good thing was that with all those toys, Pot couldn't make up his mind. He settled for (2) Tomy toy carswhile I promised to get him the Marvel Super Heroes pack for his birthday (kelangan mag-ipon). At the end of the day, I promised Pot that next time we go out, we'd still ride the bus and will make more time for the arcade.

I always cherish these days because it is our "bonding moment". Last week, we spent the whole morning painting each other's faces. I made him into a little cub and he made me, well, he painted half my face green, some blue and black splotches and painted my lips red. And his special instructions were: "Wag kang malikot Mommy para hindi malagyan ang eyes mo...". It was a shame that we were both allergic to the paint/crayons and had red rashes all over our faces the next day.

Next time, we plan to go to Avilon Zoo in Montalban. Or in Corregidor in Bataan. And I hope Potching feels as happy as I am spending precious time with him. One time, we were watching Harry Potter's Prisoner of Azkaban and I told him that someday, he'll be just like Harry having fun with all his friends. He said "Dapat kasama ka Mommy and kasama ren yung mga mommy ng friends ko". Aww, so sweet although I'm willing to bet my 5-year's worth of paychecks that at 13, he will find it awkward being with me. But who am I to complain?

So while he is still a few years away from the teenage years, I am going to make sure I get to enjoy every second with him. After all, there never was a person who said:

"I wish I hadn't spent more time with my kids"...

Patawa Muna

2005-03-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

I remember getting an email about a collection of hilarious excuse letters written by parents from the Philippines for their kids. They were all funny but this one brought the house down for me:

Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.

Hayup. Panalo sa reasoning diba?

Bring It On

2005-03-14T22:10:00.000-08:00

As if my last blog's event was not enough, I got a double whammy for my birthday. Not only am I broke on what should be the happiest day of my life, as soon as payday rolled in, my ATM card malfunctioned. There I was ATM-hopping along Salcedo Village, still in-denial that I won't be able to get a single centavo out of my recent paycheck. BRING IT ON, huh?

It all started on March 11, Friday. I was down to my last 300 bucks. I was supposed to meet someone but took a raincheck because my fincances were zilch. I took a leave from work (I know, what a loser) so I could fit everything into my puny budget.

Then, not only was I trying to withdraw the last hundred bucks from my account on the 14th, I was unsuccessful at doing so! I didn't have enough money for travel ( yeah, that is the right word considering I make daily excursions 65 kms south of Manila), I had to borrow from Liza and my Mom so I could go to work! Now a gastadora I ain't. It's just that I had to use the paycheck that normally would be okay in 2 weeks into a 3-week stretch. If anything, I am a magic-worker...a wizard!

But, I'm okay now. I got my money. I can now think clearly and in fact, I am going to submerge myself into yet another "magical" experience. I am gonna get a credit card. Ha!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arnold: Alam mo yung TV show sa Channel 9 starring yung kasama ni Mandy Moore sa A Walk to Remember?
ME: Yung Now and Forever?
Arnold: Now and Again! Oo! Sya yung ANAK SHA NG TATAY NYA, tapos.....(blah..blah...blah)

Okay...anak din ba sha ng Nanay nya? Heehee...

Petsa de Peligro

2005-03-13T23:37:00.000-08:00

Petsa de Peligro. Natutunan ko 'to ke JM. Eto raw yung mga araw na nanganganib ang finances mo...tipong ika-14 o 29th ng buwan. Yung ilang oras bago pumasok yung sweldo mo tapos simot na yung bank account mo. Yung nagiging mandirigma ka na khet sa piso lang. Yung mga panahon daw na hindi ka dapat maka-tabig ng bote ng bagoong o ketchup either sa mall o palengke kundi yari ka kse kulang ang pambayad mo.

Three words lang but they speak volumes and bespeaks of terror among all of us. Yung tipong pagbukas mo ng wallet mo, bente na lang pera mo, mamamasahe ka pa pauwi tapos papasok ka pa bukas. E alangan namang mag-abang ka ng alas-3 ng umaga sa tapat ng ATM dhel ang Chinabank e hindi naglalabas ng pera ng Lunes? In short, namemeligro na ang finances mo.

Ayan! May ALTA TENSION pa na kasama. High Tension daw. Hindi yan wiring or anything. Literal yan. Petsa de Peligro - Lahat tayo apektado.

I Am The Quiz Bee!

2005-03-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

I love taking these "personality tests" and the wackier, the better. There are more tests at Tickle but these are the newest ones I have taken... Quiz youselves too and post 'em in your blogs so we can all compare what we were in our past lives and the like!

Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

A bit slow?!? Ohohoho, have you got your acre personalities crossed!

But good food and good fun? I could live with being slow!

Green

You are a very calm and contemplative person. Others are drawn to your peaceful, nurturing nature.

Find out your color at Quiz Me!

Say no more...

Lei Ugale spins tunes as
DJ Grand Silk

http://quizme.stvlive.com/djname/quiz.php

Sounds like a mattress salesperson to me...

discover what candy you are @ quiz me

Yum! Two of my favorite things - Chocolates and Kisses!

find your inner PIE @ stvlive.com

Mmmm....makes me wanna run out the door for a mean pie!

discover your inner candy heart @ quiz me

"Be mine...now na!"

Amorelle Ugale was
a Famous Acrobat
in a past life.

http://quizme.stvlive.com/pastlife/quiz.php

What can I say? Fame has hounded me ever since!

discover your jack-o-lantern face @ quiz me

Can't be grumpy 'cause Halloween's my favorite holiday of the year!

Take This Test and Rock On!

2005-03-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, take this test to know which rock chick is your alter ego! Boys, don't worry, this test still kicks ass so you can go ahead and take it! As for moi? Check it out! Am I cool or what!!!!

Which Rock Chick Are You?

"...'Cause I'm just a girl little ol' me

Don't let me out of your sight I'm just a girl all pretty and petiteSo don't let me have any rights Oh...I've had it up to here!..."

International Women's Day

2005-03-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

Today is International Women's Day and for sure, women from around the world are celebrated for their success and their ability to rise above the challenge. And there is nothing wrong with that. But me? I choose to deviate from the norm. So instead of hailing the women who have been trailblazers in their field, I will dedicate this day to one woman who has struggled all through her life and may have been beaten in the end but has demonstrated that femininity is not the ability to claim victory and defeat pain. It is seeing what is beyond.

Gia Marie Carangi was a supermodel in the 70s and the 80s and was the favorite covergirl for Vogue and Cosmopolitan. She was one of Wilhelmina Models top-rated models way before people knew of Cindy Crawford (In fact, Cindy was christened "Baby Gia" during her newbie years as a model). She was popular for Giorgio Armani and Christian Dior campaigns and had a number of magazine covers tucked under her belt.

Gia, like most people, grew up in a dysfunctional family and was living with her brother and father after her Mom remarried. Naturally, this was a painful experience for Gia who sought solace in drugs, marijuana and the "older crowd". According to her, this was where she did not feel any prejudice against her particularly her being a lesbian. Frequenting clubs and discos, it was in one of her night-outs that she got discovered and eventually launched her modeling career. Her fame skyrocketed and of course, along with fame are the perils that come with it. According to The Gia Carangi Project "...Gia was looking for love and compassion at a time when people were looking for sex, money, and drugs. In her search for loving and stable relationships, Gia fell instantly in love with people she barely knew..."

To cut the long story short, Gia plunged heavily into drugs particularly heroin. During the early 80s, people weren't really conscious or didn't care much about seeking professional help and even if she was already ruining her life by drugs, nobody minde or cared. Her erratic behavior included walking out on shoots, showing up late or not showing up at all. And even if she did posed for pictures, she was stoned and even fell asleep on shoots. It was said that in one of her magazine shoots, the photographers snapped away while Gia lay in her drugged-up state, clearly not beign aware of what was going on. Photographers were putting up with her just to get the photos done while Gia spent all her money on drugs. You could say that the drugs took their toll on her, her arms being covered with track marks from shooting heroin and scars from these track wounds. For all of these, Gia would slip
back and forth between rehab programs. In 1982, Gia shot what would be her last magazine cover. It was for the April issue of Cosmo Magazine and you could see in the picture that Gia's hands were tucked beneath her to hide the track marks in her arms.

Gia's last cover Cosmopolitan, April 1982

One of the few times she was actually given work, Gia, still highly into drugs, was thrown out because of falling asleep in front of the set and burning her chest with a cigarette. In 1983, Gia was caught with drugs on a shoot in North Africa and this was the end for Gia's. She checked herself into rehab again but as expected, Gia again disappeared and started shooting heroin again. It was at this time that Gia would sleep with men for money for drugs and even got raped several times. After this, she got pneumonia and got hospitalized only to find out that she had AIDS.

During her long hospital stay, Gia found what she was always looking for - the love and undivided attention of her Mom. It was only a matter of weeks and Gia’s health rapidly deteriorated and she was put on a respirator. It was said that AIDS had ravaged her body so much that during her funeral, it was recommended that it be a closed-casket. On November 18, 1986, 26-year old Gia Carangi died of AIDS. She was one of the first women in the US to die of AIDS.

Why would I bother writing about Gia when she could have helped herself all along? Because she knew she needed help and tried her best to do so, proof of which is her going back and forth thru rehab. It was only sad that in the end, people could not see beyond her beauty. No one can go through what she has gone through all alone and still come out with your sanity intact.

So now that the 30th year of the Intl Women's Day is being celebrated, I say being a woman isn't about being on top and carving your future all on your own. Women's day is a celebration of the resiliency and the courage to learn the hard lessons in life even in the face of definite defeat.

Go On And Fly

2005-03-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been listening to Tori Amos' newest single released and currently the # 1 song of the week for Jam 88.3. To listen, click on the link from my Listening Post tab and prepare to be enthralled by Tori's soothing voice and haunting music...

Sleeps With Butterflies

Tori Amos Beekeeper

Airplanes take you away again

Are you flying above where we live

Then I look up a glare in my eyes

Are you having regrets about last night

I'm not but I like rivers that rush in

so then I dove in

Is there trouble ahead for you the acrobat

I won't push you unless you have a net

You say the word you know I will find you

Or if you need some time I don't mind

I don't hold onto the tail of your kite

I'm not like the girls that you've known

But I believe I'm worth coming home to

Kiss away night

This girl only sleeps with Butterflies

with Butterflies

so go on and fly then boy

Balloons look good from on the ground

I fear with pins and needles around

We may fall then stumble upon a carousel

It could take us anywhere

I'm not like the girls that you've known

But I believe I'm worth coming home to

Kiss away night

This girl only sleeps with Butterflies

with Butterflies

so go on and fly boy

Of Rainbow Brite, Care Bears and Barbie

2005-03-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

Haven't you noticed that as soon as you hit the above-25 birthday celebrations, you find yourself looking back to your childhood and all the things that filled your world back then... from toys to TV?

Back in 1986, afternoons were spent in neighbor's backyards playing piko, shato or if you have a great, big playground, agawan-base. There was no cable TV yet and afternoons were spent watching reruns of Bugs Bunny, Road Runner and Coyote (he never wins...tsk!) and Batibot. I remember being one of the first few people to watch Nickelodeon on Channel 4 and the programming back then included "You Can't Do That on TV".

Without much TV shows for kids and cartoons being rehashed on a regular basis (too regular in fact), much of the time was spent playing toys. Of course, what 8-year old girl has not played with a Barbie (owned or borrowed, doesn't matter). Back then, Barbie's clothes also reflected the power-dressers of the 80s with punk make-up and leg warmers and all. My favorite back then was the Peaches and Cream Barbie (she had the most wonderful peach dress!!!!) and the Magic-Moves Barbie (where she would lift her arms to her hair) . One of my birthday gifts was Magic Glow Barbie with her glow-in-the-dark dress and matching glow-in-the-dark parasol. Barbies were really expensive toys back then so I guess I am very much fortunate having owned a Barbie ( although at that time, Barbie should have a Ken and a matching Corvette and house and pool bought from Ali Mall's Nova Fontana....) I still have them with me, although some shoes are missing and one of my barbies have a funky neck from all the times I held her by the head.

Note how the emblem of "Barbie" was different then...
From left: Peaches n' Cream, Magic Glow, the Barbie I Never Had - Barbie Rockers and Magic Moves Barbie

Other than Barbie, my childhood was filled with Care Bears, My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake. Among these, I was most enchanted by Rainbow Brite. I had a Rainbow Brite pencil case, T-shirt, bag, pencil, stationery, puzle, dolls and posters. Kung may taong lulong sa drugs, ako sa Rainbow Brite. Ask my cousin. Among all these things, yung doll na lang ang buhay.

I had a puzzle exactly like this one!!!

Care Bears I did not like too much. Their voices were too breathy (like My Little Pony) and in my mind, Rainbow Brite was real and Care Bears were just imaginary. So everyday, my life revolved around Rainbow Brite and Murky Dismal (kalabang mortal ni Rainbow Brite) and was even thrilled because at that time, I lived in Marikina in a street named Starlite - Rainbow Brite's horse. Free time at Starlite Street was spent watching rented Betamax videos of Rainbow Brite and sometimes Care Bears (I have the sea-green colored stuffed toy whose name I forgot).

And how could I forget those Sanrio characters? Sadly, my favorites Little Twin Stars and My Melody did not become as popular as Hello Kitty. I remember getting an entire collection of trinkets which my Dad bought from Japan on one of his "schooling" trips. I had barrettes, mini pens, clips, a bag and what-not. Oooh, was I the luckiest girl in the world! Trips to Gift Gate were spent ogling their shelves full of knick-knacks from candies to erasers...so much to buy!
And for an 8-year old, thoughts about electric bills and tuition fees were shouldered by Mommy and Daddy and Php 5.00 was a whole lot!

Sigh... so now that birthday week is coming up, I just might give myself a treat and visit a Gift Gate store or Toyland just to get that 8-year-old thrill I had... almost 20 years ago.

Tabula Rasa

2005-03-05T22:26:00.000-08:00

I was watching Justice League along with my son and there was an episode entitled Tabula Rasa. Tabula what?!? So with the help of google, I ventured to see what this was all about. Access Denied. Oops, this might be a creepy site or tackles something creepy. And what is it with primetime TV being engrossed with Tabula Rasa what with Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Justice League naming one of their episodes after this?

Wikipedia gave this definition: Tabula Rasa (Latin: "scraped tablet", though often translated "blank slate") is the notion that individual human beings are born "blank" (with no built-in mental content), and that their identity is defined entirely by events after birth. Aha. Nothing Creepy. Sensible in fact. So that explains why they say that everything you need to know you learn before you're five years old. Since children are like sponges and absorb the environment, whatever they see and experience is quickly processed by the mind therefore affecting the person's character. Fair enough.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer opted the blank slate angle when they showed an episode where everyone of them woke up with amnesia (ah, the spotless mind, no?). The Justice League, on the other hand, took the more courageous angle of Tabula Rasa: (translated literally means clean slate ) an opportunity to start over without prejudice. Now that is comforting. How many times have we felt trapped and yearned for change that would save us from the feeling of drowning in our mundane lives only to stop because of feelings of inadequacy and fear of the unknown? How many times did we wonder where we could have made THE wrong turn that made us end up in a less-than-fabulous life? Yeah, we need to content ourselves with what we have but then again, where would progress be if we don't dream a little and assess what we can STILL do to improve our lives? No, I'm not complaining. Probably just aiming high. Or aiming for something different.

I remember always saying it might be good to start over. With this Tabula Rasa thing? I think it's possible.

Daily Dose of The Eighties

2005-03-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

Listening right now to "Never You Done That" by General Public, one of the more popular songs during the 80s. K-Lite is currently having a musical treat by having the Eighties Reloaded program everyday (yay!) from 12NN to 1 PM. Yup, judging from my musical taste, I am indeed just a bit past the quarter-life-crisis-stage-of-my-life... and I luv the Eighties!

Now why the musical fixation on this dramatic decade? Well who did not go through the wanna-be stage when all of us were trying to look like Madonna in "Material Girl"? Or who did not sing with Cyndi Lauper when she was signing the National Anthem of femmes, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun". Not to mention the androgynous Boy George asking us if we really wanna hurt him?

Actually, it is my brother who grew up in the 80s. He was there when teens back then were giddy with excitement attending soirees, wearing espadrilles or topsiders while girls used an entire can of Aquanet to get the mile-high bangs. During the times of Walkman ( the granddad of MP3s) and radio (No CDS yet), I listened to whatever my brother listened to. So this included U2, Oingo Boingo, Depeche Mode and for OPM, there's Identity Crisis and The Dawn (the trailblazer of Pinoy Alternative Rock). I watched them all party like it's 1999 because at that time, '99 was, like, lightyears away.

I guess I chose to stick it with the 80s music(New Wave are the best!) because the songs during my time were soooo pathetic, at least for me. As proof of this, I cannot enumerate any of them because they have been pushed back to the recesses of my mind. Waaaay back.

So there. I love the Eighties, synthesizers and all. An hour of 80s music everyday? Not bad.

Part of Today's PLAYLIST:

"Never You Done That" by General Public
"Stand" by REM
"Raspberry Beret" by Prince
"Love Vigilantes" by New Order

Feature Artist on Double Play : A-HA
"Summer Moved On" and "The Sun Always Shine on TV"

Walk On The Ocean

2005-03-01T00:42:00.000-08:00

To the people at A/X...

Sa mga nag-resign/nalipat ng ibang account: It's been great working with you

Sa mga pa-resign pa lang: Keep in touch ha?

Sa mga andito pa: Let's make the most of it and enjoy ourselves na lang...

Club Noah Isabelle, Palawan

we spotted the ocean

at the head of the trail

where are we going, so far away

and somebody told me

that this is the place

where everything's better,

everything's safe

walk on the ocean

step on the stones

flesh becomes water

wood becomes bone

and half and hour later

we packed up our things

we said we'd send letters

and all those little things

and they knew we were lying

but they smiled just the same

it seemed they'd already

forgotten we'd came

now we're back at the homestead

where the air makes you choke and

people don't know you

and trust is a joke

we don't even have pictures

just memories to hold

that grow sweeter each season

as we slowly grow old

walk on the ocean

toad the wet srpocket

A Stab in the Back

2005-02-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

Ah, backstabbers. What would life be like without them? And who hasn't encountered people like these? That one person who wouldn't care if your ass is put on the line. Makes you wanna say "I'm sorry, did my back hurt your knife?". And even more, 90% of the time, it's the person you least expect who turns out to be the snitch. Like what my mother always say...kung sa sarili mo di ka makapagtiwala, sa ibang tao pa kaya?

Love You Forever

2005-02-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

I first encountered this book while watching Friends (Season 10, TOW The Cake) where Rachel is celebrating her daughter's 1st birthday. Everyone is busy preparing for the party so naturally, there are balloons and gifts everywhere. Naturally, also, Joey forgets to get a gift for the baby and being the goof that he is, he decides to use his "best" talent to give a gift for baby Emma: a reading of one of Emma's books, "I'll Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. Joey delivers it in such a way that after reading the entire book (while being video-recorded by Ross), there was not a dry eye in the room. Chandler said it best: "I was not prepared to hear this today".

Only the "I'll love you forever I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living My baby you'll be" part is recited by Joey but even then, those lines moved me. So for those who are wondering what "I'll Love You Forever " is and why it has sold more than 15,000,000 copies worldwide and translated into over 7 languages, read on. By the way, don't forget the Kleenex.

I'll Love You Forever
Written by Robert Munsch
Illustrated by Sheila McGraw

A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth,
back and forth,
back and forth.
And while she held him, she sang:

I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew.
He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house.
He pulled all the books off the shelves.
He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and he took his mother's watch and flushed it down the toilet.
Sometimes his mother would say, "This kid is driving me CRAZY!"
But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet,
she opened the door to his room,
crawled across the floor,
looked up over the side of his bed;
and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth,
back and forth,
back and forth.
While she rocked him she sang:

I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

The little boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew.
He grew until he was nine years old.
And he never wanted to come in for dinner,
he never wanted to take a bath,
and when grandma visited he always said bad words.
Sometimes his mother wanted to sell him to the zoo!
But at night time, when he was asleep,
the mother quietly opened the door to his room,
crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed.
If he was really asleep, she picked up that nine-year-old boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth,
back and forth.
And while she rocked him she sang:

I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

The boy grew. he grew and he grew and he grew.
He grew until he was a teenager.
He had strange friends and he wore strange clothes and he listened to strange music. Sometimes the mother felt like she was in a zoo!

But at night time, when that teenager was asleep, the mother opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed.
If he was really asleep she picked up that great big boy and rocked him back and forth,
back and forth,
back and forth.
While she rocked him she sang:

I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

That teenager grew. He grew and he grew and he grew.
He grew until he was a grown-up man.
He left home and got a house across town.
But sometimes on dark nights the mother got into her car and drove across town.

If all the lights in her son's house were out,
she opened his bedroom window,
crawled across the floor,
and looked up over the side of his bed.
If that great big man was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth,
back and forth.
And while she rocked him she sang:

I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

Well, that mother, she got older. She got older and older and older.
One day she called up her son and said, "You better come see because I'm very old and sick." So her son came to see her. When he came in the door she tried to sing the song.
She sang: I'll love you forever I'll like you for always....
But she couldn't finish because she was too old and sick.

The son went to his mother.

He picked her up and rocked her back and forth,
back and forth,
back and forth.
And he sang this song:

I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my Mommy you'll be.

When the son came home that night, he stood for a long time at the top of the stairs.
Then he went into the room where his very new baby daughter was sleeping.

He picked her up in his arms and very slowly rocked her back and forth,
back and forth, back and forth.
And while he rocked her he sang:

I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

As a Mom, I know I'll always have frustrations and hang-ups in my life. Hey, it's not easy being a Mom when you are not yet done being a kid yourself. There are days you might feel shortchanged from life because you chose to have a child. But at the end of the day, what matters most is that you have spent time with your kid. Like they always say, there has never been a parent who said "I wish I didn't spend more time with my kids!".

Now that is just the half of the picture. How many times have we complained that our mothers drive us nuts? That our fathers make us uncomfortable in front of our friends? Nevertheless, they will save the day for us, come hell or high water.

Whatever the case may be, son or daughter, mother or father, there IS an unconditional love between parents and children. And this love is enduring and lasting. As long as we are living. Forever it will be.

Pasan ko ang A/X

2005-02-27T17:53:00.000-08:00

Mag-isa lang ako ngayon. Naka-leave si Liza, rest day naman ni Nina. Bad trip. Walang makausap. Wala ren akong maisip ma-surf. Gusto ko sanang manood ng Oscars. Walang TV. Lahat ng trip kong website, naka-surf control. Linchak! Buti na lang walang tawag. Pero 2 oras na ako dito wala pa ring tawag. Creepy. Baka nasa ibang dimension na ako...sa isang parallel universe. Creepy talaga.

PROVINCIAL BUS 101

2005-02-26T22:04:00.000-08:00

I am sure all of us are familiar with riding the bus. But provincial bus? Fret not, this is your crash course on what's hot and what's not in land-based travel to the South of Manila!

A provincial bus, as the name suggests, will take you to the places outside of Manila. From San Pedro to Lucena, yan ang provincial route. This bus, to distinguish from the city-operation bus, looks more modern and sleek. They have wide, "picture windows" for you to see the view better. They have luggage areas overhead and usually come in 3- seat by 2-seat arrangement.

Diba iba itsura nya kesa sa city-operation buses?

These are the following bus companies with provincial operation: Tritran, Jam, Southstar/ Grandstar/ Greenstar, JAC Liner, RRCG and ALPS. Just a quick run-through:

Tritran is the red bus.
Jam is either yellow or red and looks like Tritran.
South-,Green- and Grandstar have, obviously, stars on the bus.
JAC Liner is the white bus.
RRCG is the yellow bus with teddy bears on the side.
And lastly, ALPS is the green, blue and yellow bus.

Except for ALPS which has its terminal in Cubao, all of these bus companies are stationed at LRT. So with all these buses, where do I go for my ride home? The following will help you decide:

For the budget conscious: RRCG is the one for you. I always get 20% discount and I think this is the case for all their destinations. So imagine Php15.00 being slashed from your daily transpo costs! That's about Php 150.00 savings per week or Php 600 savings per month. What's more, RRCG does not fill up their buses to the rafters so unless it's a major holiday, expect the bus to leave the terminal with only 15 of you juggling up and down all the way to Batangas Pier. DISCLAIMER: They show really pathetic Tagalog movies and they show the same movie every bleeping day. Some days, they do show a DVD concert...of Westlife. Bleh. Light to moderate unpleasant smell.

For the family-oriented: Tritran fits the bill. If the normal bus can accomodate 45 people, this bus can fit 55! Just be prepared to sacrifice leg room and expect each row to have a passenger 5 years old and below. This bus normally takes the Lemery route which, I guess, is where everyone wants to go judging from the number of people on-board and the number of people attempting to go on-board. DISCLAIMER: Extremely low temperature. Khet labinlimang jacket hindi uubra. Leg cramps. Moderate to severe unpleasant smell. Go figure.

For the habitually-late: ALPS should be your bus. Everybody knows the blue and green bus that zips thru South Super Hi-way. They can go from Sto. Tomas to Makati in 45 minutes flat and also show Hollywood blockbuster such as Spiderman 2, Pirates of the Carribbean, etc. Their seats are also comfortable and are not cramped. DISCLAIMER: Nuknukan ng dumi. Saan ka nakakita ng tinidor na nakahandusay sa floor ng bus? Kasama ang crumbs, balat ng itlog na pugo, ticket stubs...maryosep! As if this is not enough, baka ma-tiempuhan mong may baby ipis na namamasyal sa paligid mo. Di bale, madali lang biyahe. Meron deng unpleasant smell.

For the star-struck: the Star Group of Bus Companies is for you, Southstar, Grandstar, Greenstar. They have really comfortable seats, no unpleasant smell and show good movies also. That is, if you are fortunate to have one that passes by your destinations. Chances are...wala. DISCLAIMER: Bihira ko lang masakyan so wala ako ma-say.

For the discriminate: JAC is for you. Just like in air travel, may business at economy class den sa bus. At JAC, the movies shown are in DVD digital quality (satellite feed ba to?) and offer subtitles! Walang in-flight food so walang balat ng itlog, walang kalat! The seats are very comfortable and plastic covered. Leg room is very ample. No unnecessary sounds (kalansing, or whatever), no unpleasant smell. Infact, you might smell a hint of Baygon. Refreshing ito knowing walang baby ipis na kasabay mo.

So ako? I really wait for JAC Liner. Discriminating ang taste ko e. Unless bigla na lang ako maging budget-conscious or habitually-late. Whatever the case may be, there will always be a provincial bus for you!

There. That concludes your crash-course in PROVINCIAL BUS 101.

Everyday Excursion

2005-02-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

First things first. I go home all the way to Sto. Tomas, Batangas. That's about 65 kms away from Manila or an hour's bus ride or even 45 minutes by car. Yup, 45 minutes considering you won't be stopping over any gas stations for coffee or snacks or anything else. Take the South Luzon Expressway and never stop until you reach the very end of the highway where you'll see the sign for those bound to Batangas and Lucena. Sto. Tomas is actually the first town of Batangas, right after Calamba, Laguna. Just hearing the places I mentioned makes you think of Holy Week, summer vacation or simply a get-away. But plying these roads everyday? You'd think I'm ready to give up? Nuh-uh.

Hectares of rice fields...

Where else do you feel rested after a day's work? Do you get that in congested Manila? Do you still hear the crickets and the tuko (It got its name from the sound it creates...smart, no?) at sundown? Can you sleep without airconditioning or even an electric fan? And get this, do you wake up to the majestic sight of Mt. Makiling? HA! I do! It's like being on Discover Philippines everyday!

Mt. Makiling

And the travel! I get to watch movies everyday and when I don't like the movie, I just look outside my window and see rice fields, Tagaytay Ridge and Sierra Madre. The bus is not your normal city-operation bus with matching kalansing at amoy gasolina. I get to choose between a number of bus companies to suit my taste (and budget). I will be discussing this other important fact in my life on a different blog.

As soon as I arrive, I get to smell freshly-cut grass and see the magnificence of sunset. To get an idea, see Candy's blog re: the Batangas sunset ( of course, remove the ocean and the sea because that was taken from Batangas Pier which is another 60 kms away from where we are, anyhoo...). And then, this is, for me, the biggest treat of all. I get to see the moon rise from BEHIND Mt. Makiling on a full moon! This, plus coconut trees surrounding the village and the freshest air that you can breathe! What a departure from our former residence at Villamor Air Base where our neighbor is the Lufthansa hangar while jets and helicopters and even trains are part of the standard fare of noise.

Traffic? Non-existent. Pollution? Nope. Ringing in your ears from the hundredth or so Boeing 747 that has passed over your bakod? Zip. Capturing a rainbow from your window after an afternoon rain? Welcome to my home!

Your Song

2005-02-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to Paul Louis Ugale.

Gwapo? Given na yan e.
Matalino? Of course! Mana sa akin e.
Madaldal? Sobra!
Makulit? Lalo na!! What to you expect from a kid who's almost 4 years old?

See? I told you!

Pero above all that, malambing namang bata ito e. He knows how to work his way around all of us. "Champooweetee". That's what he says if he wants to give you a great, big hug! Ewan ko kung baket, but he was still about a year old when he coined this word when he needs a hug. AND, this is not to be confused with group hug. "Karampootan" is the word for that. I have lost track of all the other words he invented but these two survived.

Like all kids, when he's good, he really is such an angel but when he is naughty...malilimutan mong bata kausap mo! But what can you do but be patient until he learns. That's the only way to get out of it sane. Don't get me wrong. These are isolated cases and at the end of the day, it's still Pot's smile that tops it all.

At dahil natutuwa ako kay Potching (yan ang bininyag ng Lola nya sa kanya...), let's play a little game of favorites.

Favorite Cartoon(s):

Ang favorite nya dito si Wolverine. He never got to watch the X-Men of my time when the animation was really awesome (this was back in the 90s). Now he watches the one from Cartoon Network. Yung X-Men Evolution.

Tapos, favorite nya den ang Justice League.

Ang favorite naman nya si Flash and Green Lantern. Kaya lang iba nayung Green Lantern dito from the Green Lantern during the days of SuperFriends. In this day and age of cosmetic surgery, etc...malay mo pati Justice League apektado, hehe.

Pero ang ultimate favorite nya ay si...

SPIDERMAN!

Grabe ang dedication ng batang to kay Spiderman. May damit, sapatos, unan, baso, twalya, lahat na! Ultimo cake, ice cream at lollipop, Spiderman. At khet ulit-ulitin nya yung Spiderman 2, call sha dun! Ayaw nga lang niya yung Spiderman 1 kse takot sha ke Green Goblin...Asiwa sha sa tawa nito e. Para sa kanya, Green Goblin cannot be trusted. Ever. Ultimate Baddie ito.

FAVORITE FOOD(S):

Pasta and Noodles: Pancit Canton, Pancit Bihon, Palabok, Spaghetti, Carbonara, Yakisoba, basta noodles o pasta, ayos!

Cheese: Khet isang blokeng keso, titirahin ni Pot.

Chocolates: One time, I fell asleep so hindi ko napansing pumasok sha sa room ng parents ko where the chocolates are kept. Nabuhat nya yung cover nung mala-Orocan na lalagyan e may nakapatong pa dun sa cover. Nung maabutan sha ng Mommy ko, 10 na nakakain nyang Toblerone Pralines, 2 Cailler na mini-chocolates and papunta na si Pot dun sa other chocolates na padala ng utol ko. Pero hindi tumataba. Kainis.

FAVORITE GAMES:

Catchure: Hindi yan typo. Pinaghalo nya yung catch and capture. In simple terms, habulan. Sa mga Englishers, tag. Laro nila ng Daddy ko.

Doc Ock and Spiderman: Simple lang. Ako si Doc Ock, sha si Spiderman. Gets nyo na.

Balloon: One blue balloon. Endless laughter.

FAVORITE TOYS:

Cars: Tomy, Tomica, Hotwheels, Matchbox. Lahat yan lalaruin nya. May time pa na both of his hands should have cars otherwise feeling nya wala shang kamay.

Thomas and Friends: This is Pot's collection na talagang ultimo ako e I make sure na hindi mawawala. Made of Pinewood and a little pricey. Very educational and stimulates the brain. Hindi madaling masira and can from generation to generation (free plug).

Marvel/Justice League Action Figures: Kunwari nagka-karate, nakabitin, nadapa, nagsasayaw.

These are just a few of Pot's favorites that I can think of from the top of my head. So you can just imagine how, indeed, the words (with a few modifications) of Elton John's Your Song clearly fits as my heartsong for Pot. "...I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind, that I put down in words. How wonderful life is NOW you're in the world..."

To Master Doudou

2005-02-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

To my former colleague Ryan Isler, aka Master Doudou alias Abu Badaf...
Sayang. Ikaw pa naman yung OIC nun pag wala si Pio. Good luck sa trabaho at nawa ay maging matagumpay ka at wag nang male-LATE (hehe...).

On a much lighter note, eto ang pruweba ng kalokohan ni Ryan:

ako po ay nananawagan sa nagnakaw ng beef steak ko... please paki balik... please reach deep down inside and find it in your heart to return the lunch of a growing boy :)
pero seryoso, sino nga kumuha?

Ryan.

This was sent to the whole team so that means it was also sent to far away America. Galing! At malamang madaling-araw na naman 'to nang mangyari.

Basta, Master, ingat sila sayo at sana wag silang matakot sa mga tama ng bala mo (ng Airsoft)!

Missing Tin and Cucs

2005-02-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

Kanina sa bus narinig ko yung Wag na Wag Mong Sasabihin by Kitchie Nadal. Sniff. I miss Tin and Cucs!!!

Tin and Cucs ( yan talaga pangalan nila Tin-and-Cucs or Cucs-and-Tin). They are almost one identity already. Can't say one without the other. Can't see one without the other. We started out in DR. Kasama ko sila sa pagtambay sa 8th floor. Pareho kasing maaga pumasok yan e so marami kaming oras tumambay. Even during those DR days, they were already close, having been in the same circle of friends. I, however, only got to see them during breaks. Then we all got transferred to another team (there were 10 of us then) and we just hit it off! These 2 people are well-opinionated may it be about fashion( actually, other people's fashion sense), cars (tumambay ka ba naman sa parking lot e), politics , name it, may masasabi yan! So of course, I found gold! Finally, meron taong mas madaldal at mas malakas mang-asar saken!!! Hehe...

We were all assigned in the graveyard shift with our workstations forming a triangle. Minsan nagiging square o kaya trapezoid pag kasama sa discussion sina Madel at si Ryan (aka Master Doudou). In short, mas madalas yung discussion namen at mas maraming topics. May time pa nga na may pinadala akong email sa kanilang dalawa na super nakakaiyak. Ayun. Umiyak na nga silang dalawa. Nahawa na tuloy ako. Next day, tinanong ako ng Team Manager namen kung ano daw problema. Nakita kaming tatlo umiiyak.

I guess what I am getting at is that I spent a lot of time with these girls that I never knew how to react when they were transferred to yet another account. I know I am already old enough to go past these things. And I am. Wag ko lang maririnig yung song na yun ni Kitchie. Kse that song reminded me of the time we spent New Year's Eve at work. It was a big bummer because naturally we all wanted to spend time with our families but we had to work. And add to this the fact that there is a big Mardi Gras-like street party with amazing fireworks along Paseo de Roxas which is like tatlong tumbling lang away from the office! So if you spend the worst or one of the worst day of your life with people who feel the same way, there is an unspoken bond that forms between all of you. Inevitable yan. Yan ang marka ng friendship. That was the day I realized these two are my best friends. Ganun kse ako mag-bestfriend e. Depende sa situation at panahon. What I mean is, at that point in time, they knew who I am and all I've been through and they accepted me. With them I found out that the things I did before which may seem stupid to some, are very much normal to them. We became confidantes of each other. Hindi yung problema sa crush o sa buhok o gimik. REAL PROBLEMS ito. Financial, Marital/Relationships, Family, Career. Mga heavy stuffs so you can imagine what a relief to have someone to confide in.

Then on New Year's day (or the following days, I think, I forgot...) we got word of The Major Transfer. Yun. Ganun kadali. Sila nalipat, ako naiwan. Sad. Kinausap pa ako ng sup namen kung OK lang daw ako. I guess they knew it would affect me even before I did. OK lang. Hindi ko na sila nakikita. Wala na yung gamit nila sa workstation nila. Nasa kabilang building na sila. OK lang....

To Tin and Cucs, sa lahat ng Nagaraya at Hopia (Hokhok), sa Sola Iced Tea ninyo, sa lahat ng chips ng Jack and Jill , sa mga food na niluto nyo at na-share sa aken, sa patambay sa Phil-Am ng alas-dos ng madaling araw, sa ating mga lungs na maaaring naapektuhan sa ating tambay, sa lahat ng dance steps, songs na sinaliwan natin sa Mini-Stop at sa lahat ng pinaggagagawa naten... Sniff...I miss you, guys!

Pizza, Chips, Hopia...sigh....

The Things I Learned At Work

2005-02-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

This is already my 3rd job and on March 8 marks my first year here at work. And it actually feels good. Ika nga ni Ronchie, steady lang. So to celebrate this momentous event ( I tend to go job-hopping, OK?), I am sharing the things I have learned at work: MY WACK WORDS OF WISDOM:

1) Never assume. Never assume you got the job. Never assume the office you are applying for is in this or that floor. Never assume today is your interview. The only secret to success is to always be sure. Mag-research at wag mambola. Mahirap na baka bumalik sayo.

2) Always be on time khet wala namang makaka-appreciate na nauna ka kse...nauna ka nga e!

3) Choose your friends wisely. Merong pahamak lang, merong manggagamit at magaling maki-ride on. There are back-stabbers who act as if your back hurt their knife. Pero meron din namang matino who will actually help you out and are sincere enough to tell you in your face na yung kinakausap mo e hindi pala taga-building nyo.

4) Workplaces in the Philippines are always air-conditioned. Always bring a jacket. Or a blanket. Or both. If you don't have either, invest in one or borrow (disclaimer: this is not advisable all the time lalo na sa panahon ng meningo...). Bring whatever you can to keep from the cold. Otherwise, prepare for frequent trips to the restroom, or worse, suffer the consequences (read: sipon, trangkaso, ubo, etc).

5) Learn to share. May it be your workstation, your office materials, your chair and your knowledge. You belong in a team after all.

6) In the same light, learn to respect other people's belongings. Meaning, ask for permission first before using and retrurn the borrowed item in the original position/location as much as possible. I know of people who would morph into their evil very own evil twin because of missing pens. Why do I know this? I am one of them, nyahahahahaha!

7) Be considerate. Paid Time Offs are, as the name implies, time you spend off work. It is ideally composed of less than 24 hours and spent away from work. It can also be extended to a number of days (not weeks) with the end of it being spent preparing to return to work. Otherwise, the person can go on extended leave which is also known as resignation/termination. Furthermore, along with filing these small privileges is the acknowledgement that other people have the same privilege. In short, wag gawing habit ang mag-file ng leave. It can be addicting and the results can be hazardous. It may even endanger your life. Tignan ka ba naman ng masama ng colleagues mo kundi biglang tumirik yang mata mo.

8) Always offer to help. Financially even. You might be on a financial crisis reminiscent of those days during Depression (grabe naman). The main point is, everybody has a purpose in life...in your life...and they are going to be of big help to you and you are going to be of big help to them. It's all part of the great scheme of things called LIFE.

9) In terms of using the water dispenser, RED means hot and BLUE means cold. The red tap is normally to the person's left while the blue tap is to the right. This has always been the case and has never been changed. Otherwise, hindi mo tinitignan yung ginagawa mo.

10) If you think you have problems rivaling that of Judy Ann Santos in her telenovelas (lahat na ata ng kamalasan nangyari na sa kanya...sa isang araw), listen to other people's own problems. Then this will make you realize that there are more things to be thankful for.

The list above are not the Top 10 things you need to learn. They are the things I learned today.

I Knew It

2005-02-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!
I knew I would lose that $25 bet (dollars pa kasi...kayabangan...) I made that I will not post anything for a month. Well, I couldn't resist! I asked the help of my friend Goldi who is like the Messiah of blogs here at work. A few clickety-clacks of her keyboard and voila! Fun, fruity flavors!!!! And... since Goldi is not yet here, I asked help from who better but the second-in-line to the throne of Blogmania, Arnold, who taught me how to post pictures and other stuff to personalize my page. See, you really do learn a lot from work!!!

And about title being The Breakfast Club? Well, in 1985, John Hughes (he cammed Not Another Teen Movie for those scratching their heads...) directed a movie and changed the way teens feel about themselves. The result in Hollywood is a barage of movies all tackling teeange angst and the like such as Clueless, Ten Things I Hate About You, you get the picture.

They only met once, but it changed their lives forever.

The thing about this movie that made it a cult classic is that the entire movie happens in one day and the plot goes like this: a jock, a Prom Queen-slash-snob, a misfit, a nerd, and a psycho are all connected to each other via the one, singular thing that defines your high-school life: A DAY IN DETENTION. What happens when you throw all these people in a closed room for 8 hours? Just to give you an idea...

Brian (Michael Anthony Hall): In physics, well, we talk about physics... properties of physics.
Bender (Judd Nelson) : So its sort of social. Demented and sad, but social, right?

Nothing much happens except each discovers a little about the other and learn to look beyond stereotypes. Now that is something each of us need to learn. Crank in some tunes from the 80's (who doesn't know Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds) and you've got yourself a movie worth watching ten times over!

So why use it as my blogname? 1) Because come to think of it, we all go through being stereotyped and even GO THROUGH all five stereotypes at certain points in our lives; 2) Because we are living The Breakfast Club routine; and 3) Because I like it. So there.

The One With The Successful Blog Entry

2005-02-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

YEHEY!!! I did it! I made my first blog entry. I first encountered blogs about 1 year and a half ago...an online diary thingie where you pour all your thoughts and rant and rave your way to de-stress. I did not buy it. Ayoko lang. Tamad kse ako plus boblets ako sa HTML, etc. Kse, what I love most is scrapbooking. I can spend one whole day amongst piles of photos, ticket stubs, receipts and almost any type of knick-knack imaginable to create a single page that would preserve a specific moment. Mga priceless moments similar to those Mastercard adverts. To get an idea of the scrapbooking I am talking about, log on to www.twopeasinabucket.com.

Well, that's it! Bet you $20 I won't post another blog in a month. Babaing kaladkarin ako e. Nung uso Friendster, hindi ko ren pinansen hanggang hindi ko matiis, nag-sign up den ako. Same thing for Multiply, MySpace, Hi-5, whatever. Tapos eto, blogs. Next time I might reconsider getting another cellphone (yung luma na) so I can ride the bandwagon of cellphone users having a 2nd phone with Sun Cellular. But until then, dito lang ako...

BTW, the title is my homage to F*R*I*E*N*D*S.